Burn Permit Requirements
Obtaining a Permit
In order to conduct an open-burning operation in Rockingham County, a burn permit is
required to be obtained from the Rockingham County Department of Fire and Rescue and
activated with the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Emergency Communications Center before any
burning will be conducted.
Burn permits may be obtained by calling (540) 564-8297 Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
and must be activated by calling (540) 434-4436 at least 10 minutes before starting the
burning operation.
An activated burn permit is required for each time and day that a burning operation will be
conducted.
Conditions of Open Burning in Rockingham County

An open burning permit is issued for the burning of brush and landscape waste only.The
Rockingham County Fire Prevention Code prohibits the burning of other materials
including: household trash, construction debris, tires, asphalt shingles, plastics, rubber,
and similar items.

Open burning must take place on private property and may only be done with the
permission of the property owner.

The material to be burned must be at least 50 feet from any structure.

You cannot add additional material to the fire after midnight.

Between February 15 and April 30, no burning is allowed before 4:00 pm if the openburning operation is within 300 feet of anything flammable, including dry grass and
woods, you cannot add anything to the fire after midnight.

A responsible party must stay outside with the fire until it is completely extinguished.You
may not leave the fire unattended or smoldering.

You must have some means on-site to extinguish the fire. Examples include water hose,
heavy equipment, shovel, rake, etc.

The amount of material to be burned must be manageable. Large brush piles need to be
broken down so that only a manageable amount is being burned at one time.

If the fire produces offensive smoke, odors, or causes ash to fall on adjoining properties,
the permit may be revoked, and you will be required to extinguish the fire.

If the fire escapes your control, you can be held liable for the cost of extinguishing the
fire.
Violations
Failure to follow any condition of the open burning permit process may result in your permit
being revoked. A violation of any condition of an open burning permit is a Class 1
Misdemeanor.
Website:
http://www.rockinghamcountyva.gov/index.aspx?NID=251