Burning Safely...It’s The Law!
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (VDEQ)BURNING BAN CURRENTLY IN EFFECT FOR ALL OPEN-AIR BURNING IN ROANOKE COUNTY, EXCLUDING CAMPFIRES.
Several years ago, the VDEQ established the Western Virginia Emissions Control Area, which includes Roanoke County and town of Vinton, Botetourt County, Frederick County, Roanoke City, Salem City and Winchester City. Each year burning is prohibited in the Western Virginia Emissions Control Areas during the months of May, June, July, August and September. Campfires have been the only exception to the burning restriction.
Throughout the year, the Roanoke County Fire Marshal's Office regulates all open burning and ensures County compliance with state agency burning regulations by requiring a permit for anyone in Roanoke County requesting to burn. Campfires are exempt from the burn permit process.
The Roanoke County Fire Marshal's Office encourages the use of County brush and leaf collection services. Leaves, yard and garden trimmings will be picked up by Roanoke County. Roanoke County offers brush collection to urban areas. Call (540) 387-6225 to schedule a pickup of your bagged or bulk material.
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Roanoke County Fire and Rescue Department’s number one priority is creating the safest environment possible for the citizens of Roanoke County. With this in mind, we have developed guidelines for our citizens on open burning.
Under normal conditions, the following procedures apply:
- Open burning of brush in Roanoke County is prohibited. If brush cannot be picked up by the County, the Fire Prevention Division may issue a permit.
- Unauthorized, unattended and uncontrolled fires will be extinguished by the responding fire department.
- The person responsible for burning may be held liable for property damage caused to others and for the cost for extinguishment of such fires. In addition, the responsible party may be charged with a Class I Misdemeanor for violation of County code.
- Commercial burning and land clearing requires a pit burn permit for all areas of the county.
You must contact the Fire Prevention Division at 540-777-8732 to fill out an application and obtain a permit.
- For further information or if you have any questions, call us at 540-777-8732.
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Once you have completed and submitted an application, the Fire Prevention officers will schedule a visit to your burn location for an inspection. If you meet the requirements listed in the application and no safety concerns exist, a permit may be issued.
Apply for a permit by visiting our office Monday-Friday from 8 am to 5 pm or call 540-777-8732 during office hours to have an application faxed to you.
You may also download a PDF version of the Open Burning Permit Application. Complete the application and return to the Fire Prevention Division for approval. Applications must be submitted 10 days prior to burning.
If you would prefer, you may submit your application for an open burning permit online after reading the restrictions - click here to complete your Online Application. Applications must be submitted 10 days prior to burning.
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