Burning Regulations in Shenandoah County

When can you do open air burning?

Open air burning is allowed year around unless there is a red flag warning issued by the National Weather Service.  We also observe the 4 p.m. Burn Law issued by the Virginia Department of Forestry.  Outdoor fires are not allowed before 4 p.m. February 15 - April 30.  This is to minimize wildfire risk.

What can I burn without a permit?

Open burning is permitted for the disposal of leaves and yard/garden trimmings located on the premises of private property, provided that the following conditions are met:

1. The burn takes place on the premises of private property.

2. If the pile is under 3' in diameter and 2' in height, the fire shall be a minimum of 25' away from a structure. If the pile exceeds these dimensions, the distance shall be greater than 50' away from a structure. 

3. Portable outdoor fire places shall be used in accordance with the manufacturers instructions and shall not be within 15' of a structure or combustibles


When do I need a permit?

There are 2 instances where Shenandoah County requires obtaining a permit to burn.

  1. The disposal of a structure.  This could be a barn, a shed, a house.  Any structure, standing or fallen, you must obtain a Structure Burn Permit from the Fire Marshal's Division.

2. Land clearing operations - Debris from property            development or modifications, stumps, wood brush from      clearing land does required a Land Clearing Permit.



Before you start burning...

Please call the Shenandoah County Emergency Communications Department at 540-459-6101 to report the location of your burn.

This will enable ECC operators to respond appropriately if a passerby calls 911 to report a fire, and they will also be aware of the location of outdoor burning in case a fire spreads uncontrollably.


When you do burn - please keep these regulations in mind:

  1. The burn must be on private property.
  2. The burn must be attended by a responsible adult at all times.
  3. Keep piles reasonable in size and limited in number to maintain control at all times.
  4. Permission must be obtained from occupied dwellings within 300' of the fire, unless the dwelling resides on your property. 
  5. Animal carcasses and animal waste shall not be burned.
  6. Garbage is not to be burned.
  7. Construction waste shall not be burned
  8. Be mindful of the location of your burn and the wind direction.  
  9. Burns shall not be allowed to smolder for an excessive amount of time so it does not become a nuisance to neighbors.
  10. If the burning becomes a nuisance to a neighbor, the fire will have to be extinguished.


Violation of any of these rules may result in a Class 1 Misdemeanor which can be punishable by a $2500 fine and/or a year in jail

Contact Us

  1. Travis Hilliard

    Deputy Chief, Fire Marshal
    Email Travis Hilliard
    Phone: 540-459-3502
    More Information