The Suffolk Fire Marshal’s Office is reminding citizens the Virginia Department of Forestry 4 p.m. Burn Law went into effect Feb. 15 and lasts through April 30.

 Open burning with a permit is allowed from 4 p.m. to midnight only. The Virginia Department of Forestry Burn Law, as described above, also applies to recreational fires.

This law prohibits burning before 4 p.m. Winds usually calm down and the relative humidity levels are on the increase after 4 p.m., both of which reduce the potential for a debris fire or any other open air fire to escape your control.

In addition to the criminal violations, those who allow a fire to escape are liable for the cost of suppressing the fire as well as any damage caused to other’s property.

The “Summer Burn Ban” will be in effect May 1 through Sept. 30.

For more information on the Virginia Department of Forestry 4 p.m. Burn Law or the “Summer Burn Ban,” contact the Suffolk Fire Marshal’s Office at 514-4550 or via email at fireprevbureau@suffolkva.us.