Residents are reminded of the following key dates as they apply to open burning in Isle of Wight (IoW) County:
- During the period between October 1 and February 14 of each year, open burning is allowed
- During the period between February 15 and ending April 30 of each year, burning is permitted between the hours of 4:00 PM and midnight
- During the period between May 1 and September 30 of each year, all open burning is prohibited within the county
Gatling Pointe is located outside of a Development Service District and open burning is governed by Chapter 7 of the IoW County Virginia Code of Ordnances. Specifically, Section 7-15 provides guidance on permissible open burning; sections 7-17 and 7-18 should also be noted. Additionally, the following conditions must be met during any instance of open burning:
- Leaf burning shall be attended constantly until fire is completely extinguished
- Water, sand, dirt or fire extinguisher shall be available at the burn site in quantity sufficient to completely extinguish the fire. (A charged water hose, one that is connected to a water source, is preferred and rake(s) and shovel(s) should also be available to control burn pile)
- Burning shall not be conducted closer than 300 feet of any woodland, brush land, or field containing dry grass or other flammable material during periods of open burning
- Burning shall not occur in roadside ditches or on any public or private road on which smoke could impede drivers vision
- Burning shall not be conducted during windy and/or dry periods
- Open burning is permitted for camp fires or other fires that are used solely for recreational purposes, for ceremonial purposes, and for outdoor non-commercial preparation of food
- Open burning of leaves and tree, yard and garden trimmings that are collected by the County through regular roadside collection is prohibited
- Open burning is not permitted for the disposal of household refuse by homeowners or tenants.
Considerations such as burning wet leaves and health factors should be given to fellow residents and above all else, safety must be given the highest priority.
