Spring Burn Ban Now In Effect

CHARLOTTESVILLE — Virginia’s Spring Fire Season Burn Ban, also known as the “4 p.m. burning law,” is now in effect.
The law prohibits burning except between the hours of 4 p.m. and midnight through April 30 if the fire is within 300 feet of  woodland, brushland or fields containing dry grass or other flammable materials.  
Highlands residents are asked to use extreme caution when burning during.  Seasonal winds dry out surface and grass fuels that have accumulated over the winter and greatly increase the danger of wildfire. 
Virginia law mandates that persons burning anything outdoors must take prior precautions to prevent the fire from spreading. A fire must be extinguished  before it is left.
A violation of the burn law is a Class 3 misdemeanor punishable by a five of up to $500. 
In addition,  persons who allow a fire to escape are liable for the cost of suppressing the fire,  as well as any damage caused to others’ property.