CHARLOTTESVILLE—Joining fire departments across the Commonwealth, the Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) recently announced the start of spring fire season.
Virginia’s statewide burning law—which prohibits outdoor burning between midnight and 4 p.m.—is in effect through April 30. Violation of the burning law is a Class-3 misdemeanor punishable with a fine of up to $500. Those who allow fire to escape may be liable for suppression costs and any resulting property damage.
“Our recent winter storms and protracted snow and ice may push wildfires off of the radar, but that would be a mistake,” said state forester Terry Lasher.
“Virginia saw 80 wildfires burn nearly 800 acres in January, an indicator of the overall dry conditions present across….
