Fire Code Amended to Ban Grills on Balconies on Any Structure

The board of county supervisors heard amendments to a chapter of the fire prevention and protection section of fire code.

Prince William County’s Fire Marshal’s Office determined a need for a greater level of fire safety regulation within the county.

The full chapter can be viewed here.

“No charcoal cooker, smoker, grill or any flammable liquid or liquefied petroleum gas-fired stove or similar devices shall be ignited or used on the balconies or spaces under balconies of any structure unless approved by the fire marshal. These devices can be used at ground level if at least 15 feet from any structure.”

The exceptions?

• Electric grills or any other devices approved by the fire marshal.
• Detached one and two family dwellings and townhouses.

Woodbridge District Supervisor Frank Principi proposed adding language to include “stoops” and “porches” to the list of banned locations for grilling. County staff will be reviewing the language issue and will hold another hearing to add clarifications if need be.