Virginia's 4:00 p.m. Burning Law goes into effect on February 15 and lasts until April 30th.
 

You can read the full text of the law § 10.1-1142 at the Department of Forestry's web site.


The Burning Law states: from February 15 through April 30 of each year, no burning before 4:00 p.m. is permitted, if the fire is in, or within 300 feet of flammable materials such as grass, woodlands, or brush.

Since forest fuels cure during the winter months, the danger of fire is higher in early spring than in summer when the forest and grasses are green with new growth.

Violation of the Burning Law is a Class 3 misdemeanor (fine of up to $500 and 30 days in jail) for each offense and violators may be liable for the full amount of all expenses incurred by the Commonwealth in suppressing such fire.