FAQs • Loudoun County, VA • CivicEngage

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.

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Fire & Rescue - Fire Marshal

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. You can also visit the fire marshal page and download the application which will also provide important information. Tent applications should be submitted no less than 10 business days prior to the event.

Note: Your tent may also require a construction permit. Contact the Department of Building and Development at 703-777-0220 to see if 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. 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. You can also find a list of permissible fireworks, approved vendors, and public displays on our Fire Marshal page.

Note: 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, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and/or a $2500 fine. Depending on the classification of the device, federal explosives charges could also be imposed for interstate transport.

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.

6. Where can I find a permit application?: Application permits can be found by visiting the Loudoun County Fire Marshal Code Enforcement page.

7. When are you allowed to do open burning?: October 1, 2013 – February 14, 2014. For more information about Open Burn Regulations visit our Open Burning page.

8. How do I request a fire safety talk or request a fire engine to attend my event?: You can contact the Public Education Manager at 703-737-8093 or via email.

9. I am interested in learning more about the smoke alarm and other safety programs, who do I need to contact?: Contact the Public Education Manager at 703-737-8093 or via email.

10. I have old ammunition, where can I safely dispose of it?: Please call the Loudoun County Fire Marshal's Office at 703-737-8600 for detailed information on proper disposal of ammunition, fireworks, or any explosive materials.