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With spring fully underway, the Virginia Department of Forestry reminds Virginians that the 4 p.m. burning law, which restricts open-air burning of any kind until after 4 p.m., remains in effect through April 30.

Last month, VDOF responded to more than 150 wildfires that burned about 1,400 acres. Suppression efforts by VDOF and our firefighter partners since the start of this year are credited with saving more than 170 homes and buildings, with an estimated protected value in the millions.

“April is one of Virginia’s busiest months in terms of wildfire activity each year,” VDOF Director of Fire and Emergency Response John Miller said. “As we enter April, days are increasingly warm and windy. When these conditions combine with lower humidity, fire danger increases dramatically. If you plan on doing any outdoor burning, take the proper precautions.”

Unsafe equipment is a common cause of wildfires, the department said in a news release. Avoid driving through or parking on dry grass or brush, as hot exhaust pipes can set vegetation on fire. Sparks from lawn mowers and power equipment can also start wildfires. Mow before 10 a.m., but never when it’s windy or excessively dry. Remember that lawnmowers are designed to mow lawns, not weeds or dry grass.

The leading cause of wildfires in Virginia every spring is escaped debris burning. Follow these tips when burning debris:

• No open-air burning until after 4 p.m.
• Check for local burn bans in the local area
• Avoid burning on dry, windy days
• Keep the burn pile small
• Have a rake or shovel and a charged water hose on hand
• Have a phone ready to call 911 if a fire escapes the person’s control
• Stay with the fire until it’s completely out (drown, stir, drown again, ensure it’s cool)