▼

Fire, Rescue & Emergency Management - Fire Marshal

Show All Answers

1. May I burn my leaves and brush pile?

If you live in the towns of Leesburg, Lovettsville, Middleburg, Purcellville, or Round Hill, the answer is no. These towns have a "no burning" provision in their municipal codes. If you live in any other town or in an unincorporated part of Loudoun County, you may burn leaves and brush, subject to certain criteria. You may not burn where trash pickup is available for these materials. In "built up" areas, such as Sterling Park, Ashburn, and Cascades, this trash service is provided, thus burning of these materials is prohibited. From February 15 through April 30, the State Forestry Department allows burning only between the hours of 4:00 pm and midnight. Between May 1 and September 30, the county imposes a total ban on open burning for air quality reasons. Due to the many regulations on this subject, the Fire Marshal's Office requires that any request for open burning be approved. The number to call is 703-777-0637.

2. I am hosting an event and am planning to put up a tent. Are there requirements I must follow?

If the tent is greater than 900 square feet, you must contact the Fire Marshal's Office for a use permit. The number to call is 703-737-8600. Your tent may also require a construction permit. Contact the Department of Building and Development at 703-777-0220 to see if you one is required. If you are cooking or serving food, you must also contact the Health Department. The number to call is 703-777-0234. Cooking tents are to be used exclusively for cooking with no seating or serving and must be separated by at least 20 feet from all other tents. More information about planning for special events in Loudoun County is available at Special Events.

3. I want to display fireworks in my back yard. Are certain fireworks illegal to possess?

Yes. Any firework that explodes, rises into the air, moves across the ground or shoots projectiles into the air, is illegal to possess in Virginia. These devices include firecrackers, roman candles, pop bottle rockets, as well as shell devices used at public displays. Although it is fairly easy to obtain these items by going across state lines, possession and use of these devices is a Class 1 Misdemeanor in Virginia. Depending on the classification of the device, federal explosives charges could also be imposed for interstate transport. The Fire Marshal's Office recommends that only fireworks sold at retail stands in Loudoun County be used. They may not be used on public property, including streets and roads. These fireworks have been tested to ensure they are suitable for consumers and are on an approved list maintained by the Fire Marshal's Office.

4. I live in an apartment and I was told I cannot grill on my balcony. Is there a regulation prohibiting this?

Yes, the use of open flame grills is prohibited if within 15 feet of an apartment building. This includes propane grills as well as charcoal grills. Small electric grills that do not produce an open flame are allowed under the fire code, however, they may be prohibited by the building management company.

5. I use my propane grill outside and away from the apartment building. Can I store my propane in my apartment or on the deck during the winter?

No. The Statewide Fire Prevention Code prohibits the storage of propane tanks within 10 feet of an apartment building.