Can You Have a Backyard Fire in Harrisonburg?

5/31/2018

Despite many of our yards currently being rivers, there will be a time soon when it would be nice to sit around a fire and grill hot dogs and roast smores. However, is a campfire legal in the city of Harrisonburg?

The answer is yes. You may make fires in the city of Harrisonburg but with limits. Here are the regulations as outlined by the city.

Fires MUST be contained within a fire ring no greater than 3 feet in diameter, and the fire ring must be made of non-combustible material such as rocks, metal, concrete, etc.
The fire cannot have wood or combustible materials piled higher than 2 feet high.
Only ordinary wooden combustibles may be burned. Burning pressure treated lumber, trash, furniture, etc is prohibited.
Fire rings must be at least 25 feet away from any structure or combustible materials (including fences).
Portable outdoor fireplaces (Chiminea, etc) shall be used in accordance to the manufacturer's instructions and must be at least 15 feet from any structure or combustible materials.
The fire must be attended at all times while burning.
Extinguishment capabilities must be located within 25 feet of the fire which may include a bucket of water, fire extinguisher, sand, or garden hose connected to a water supply.
Complaints from surrounding properties may result in the fire to be extinguished.
From February 15 through April 30 each year, fires may only burn between 4:00pm and midnight.

Source

3 Comments

Tim

6/19/2018 11:58:28 am

It may have changed but you were also required to obtain a bonfire permit (free) from the fire department. You just have to tell them where and when you're having the fire and stop by and to pick it up. There is an exception for cooking fires, but then it must be extinguished once cooking has completed. (Technically)

You're also prohibited from burning yard clippings, leaves, etc.

Mattias

6/19/2018 06:22:32 pm

Tim, thanks for the comment. My understand before doing this blog was similar to yours; mainly that fires had to be for cooking. The information I pulled was from the city website last updated on March 29, 2017.

Robinson link

4/7/2023 03:18:53 am

Hey there, Harrisonburg Homeowner! having a backyard fire in Harrisonburg, and I must say, it was an interesting read. As someone who loves spending time outdoors, I find it important to know the regulations regarding fires in residential areas. Your article provided a lot of helpful information, and I appreciate the effort you put into researching and sharing it with your readers.

One thing that caught my attention was the reminder to be cautious when having a fire, especially during dry seasons. It's crucial to ensure that the fire is completely extinguished before leaving it unattended. This is not only for safety reasons but also to comply with the law. As you mentioned, it is illegal to leave a fire unattended, and doing so can result in a fine. It's always better to be safe than sorry, and I appreciate that you emphasized this point in your article.

Overall, I found your article informative and engaging. You tackled a topic that may seem simple but has a lot of regulations and rules that homeowners should be aware of. I'll be sure to keep these regulations in mind the next time I have a backyard fire. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us, and I look forward to reading more of your articles in the future!

Can You Have a Backyard Fire in Harrisonburg?

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