The open air burn ban started February 15 and is in effect through April 30: Outdoor fires are prohibited between midnight and 4:00 pm. The law applies to open air burns closer than 300 feet to woods or dry grass. Such fires, only allowed between 4:00 pm and midnight, must be attended at all times.
The Virginia Department of Forestry’s article Before You Burn provides additional information about the burn ban including what items cannot be burned, precautions, and alternatives to burning. 4 PM Burning Law is also a good resource.
The press release announcing the annual ban (PDF) explains the ban:
“With approximately 700 wildfires in Virginia each year, the majority occur in spring,” said Chief of Fire and Emergency Response John Miller. “Warmer weather, dry and windy conditions, and abundant fuel – such as dead leaves and vegetation killed off by snow – increase the chance for wildfires and make them harder to extinguish. In addition to the statewide 4 p.m. burning law, individual localities may institute intermittent burn bans or restrictions. Always check with local officials before any outdoor burning.”