Virginia’s 75-day spring wildfire season is set to begin at 4 p.m. on Friday, February 15. The law prohibits burning before 4 p.m. each day until April 30, if the fire is in, or within 300 feet of woodland, brushland or fields containing dry grass or other flammable materials. Burning is allowed between 4 p.m. and midnight under state law.
According to Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) records, 95 percent of all wildfires in Virginia are human-caused and more than half are caused by people burning trash and yard debris. Therefore, citizens must stay on high alert especially from now through April 30.
“The 4 p.m. law is one of the most effective tools we have in the prevention of wildfires,” State Forester Rob Farrell said.