City of Richmond Fire Department
Contact Us:
201 East Franklin St.
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: 804-646-6640
Email: fire@richmondgov.com
Prevention

Permit Holder Guidelines

Permit Holder Guideline #31C


PERMIT TITLE: Open Burning - Recreational Fires

CODE SECTION (2003 Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code): 307.2

SCOPE: Outdoor fire burning for pleasure, religious, or ceremonial

FEE: None

PERMIT EXPIRATION: Operational

REQUIREMENTS: Permit holder agrees to abide by the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code and any special stipulations noted on permit, as well as the following:

1. Open Burning may be allowed only after obtaining approval from the fire code official for a recreational fire.

2. Applications for open burning shall be submitted in writing at least ten days before the recreational fire event. Applications shall be submitted in the form of a letter addressed to the Fire Marshal and shall include the following information:
  • information regarding the purpose of the proposed burning
  • the nature and quantities of material to be burned
  • the location of the burning site
  • the date when such burning will take place
  • on-site fire extinguishing equipment to be provided
3. The location for any open burning shall not be less than 25 feet (7620 mm) from any structure or combustible materials and provisions shall be made to prevent the fire from spreading to within 25 feet (7620 mm) of any structure.

4. Any open burning shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. At least one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating, two portable fire extinguishers with a minimum 2-A rating each, or other approved on-site fire extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, sand, water barrel, garden hose or water truck, shall be available for immediate utilization.

5. Open burning that will be offensive or objectionable because of smoke or odor emissions when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous shall be prohibited.

6. All open burning shall be constantly attended until fire is extinguished.

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