Inspections and Code Enforcement
The Fire Marshal’s Office is charged with enforcing the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code within the Town of Chilhowie. Inspections of businesses and commercial occupanies are conducted on a routine basis. For more information or to report suspected fire code violations, please contact us.
Open Burning Regulations:
- Permits for open burning may be obtained from the Fire Marshal's Office - please contact us for more information.
- Open burning/permitted burning does not excuse you from any liability associated with damages or injuries, or the loss of control of an open fire. All laws, ordinances, and regulations must be complied with according to federal government, Commonwealth of Virginia and/or the Town of Chilhowie.
- Fires must be constantly attended by an adult until extinguished and no longer smoldering.
- Responsible parties must provide adequate fire extinguishing means to control the fire.
- The Virginia Department of Forestry requires that any open burning from February 15 through April 30 of each year, within 300 feet of woodland, brushland, or field containing dry grass or other combustible material leading to woodland, be done between the hours of 4PM and midnight.
- Burning may not be conducted when the wind speed is above 10mph.
- Fires must not create a nuisance to people in neighboring residences, businesses or recreational areas.
- The Town of Chilhowie reserves the right to inspect a burning site at any time.
Burn Types
A written permit must be obtained from the Fire Marshal's Office. Permits are valid only for the times and conditions listed on the issued permit.
- Bonfires, campfires and recreational fires
- Land clearing / property maintenance
- Tree / Garden Trimmings
Prohibited Burns
- Building and/or demolition material
- Household/commercial trash or refuse
- Paper, used lumber or trade waste
- Rubber tires, asphalt products, petroleum products or impregnated wood
- Toxic or hazardous materials or containers for such materials
- Treated, painted or stained lumber
Recreational or cooking fires are allowed without permits IF:
- The fuel is clean wood only
- The fire is contained within a fire pit or designated container
- The fire is 25 feet from a structure or combustible material
- The fire is no larger than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height