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Without a burn permit, you can’t start an outdoor fire in the Town of Kenbridge. In the wake of the recent forest fire, town officials just wanted to re-emphasize that point, as some residents might not be aware of what the requirements are. It’s also not an ongoing thing. By that, we mean you can’t request an unlimited number of permits.

First off, there are a couple rules you have to follow, in order to get the permit. Someone needs to be with the fire at all times. You can’t just leave it burning and go do something else. Even if it’s wearing down or smoldering, someone needs to be there, just in case. Also, you are required in Kenbridge to let your neighbors know if you plan to burn.

You also have to call the Lunenburg police and fire dispatch at 434-696-4452 before starting. That way, if someone sees the smoke or fire, Kenbridge Fire Department isn’t being called out to your house for what would be a false alarm. You also must have a water source on hand. That can be as simple as a hooked up garden hose or multiple buckets. A rake or shovel also should be there, to help you control the burn. And beyond all that, you need to consider the wind before starting a burn, even if you have a permit in hand.

After all, that’s how this latest forest fire got started, a controlled burn that spiraled with the help of high winds. The fire reportedly destroyed two out buildings, two vehicles, and large quantities of forestation and wildlife. The Kenbridge Fire Department, Victoria Fire and Rescue, South Hill Fire Department, Buckhorn Fire Department, the Lacrosse Fire Department, Southside Rescue, and the Mecklenburg Sheriff’s Office all contributed to extinguishing the blaze.

“All the protocols worked for us,” Matthews said. “The wind and the dryness of the fuel above ground were the main forces behind the spread of the fire.”

Why is a burn permit needed?

And that’s why a burn permit is needed in town limits, Kenbridge Town Manager Tony Matthews said. It’s also worth pointing out that you can’t legally start a fire outdoors right now anyway. Across Virginia, a burn ban is in effect. The rules are as follows: you can’t burn anything outdoors before 4 p.m. when the fire is within 300 feet of the woods or dry grass. Also, no fire can be started or fuels added to a fire after midnight. This ban runs through April 30, courtesy of the Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF).

So with all that being said, how can you get a burn permit in Kenbridge?

Any citizen can fill out and submit the form at the town office. There is no cost associated with the permit, however, items that can be burned are sometimes limited. Kenbridge officials review the restrictions of the burn permit with the applicant at the office. Matthews stressed that while Kenbridge’s burn permit does not include a fee, it is a useful tool for officials to know if there is a controlled burn within town limits to prepare accordingly as a municipality to help minimize large scale forest fires in Kenbridge and the Lunenburg area.

On the other hand, while the burn permit itself does not entail a fee, if Kenbridge citizens do not obtain the permit and the fire department is called to extinguish the blaze, the fire department will charge a fee and there could be additional citations and court costs.
Matthews deferred to the Virginia Department of Forestry for questions regarding any investigations surrounding the recent 200 acre fire.