The Fire Marshal is dedicated to providing a secure and superior quality of life for the citizens, visitors, and investors of Lexington through code enforcement, education, and fire investigations. The Marshal is further committed to cooperative relationships with other public safety organizations and code enforcement groups with common goals.

One of the goals of this office is to educate property owners and occupants of any fire hazards that are found in commercial properties. 

The Fire Marshal reviews fire protection systems, handles citizen inquiries, issues fire code operational permits, investigates fire origin and cause, and investigates environmental crimes within the city.

Outdoor Heater Safety - Please review the Outdoor Heater Fact Sheet

Blasting in the City of Lexington - The Fire Marshal is responsible for the issuance of explosives and fireworks permits, and enforcement of the applicable statutes. Read the 2018 blasting memo and FAQ for more information.

• Fireworks Application
• Explosives Application

Educating Kids About Fire Safety

It's important that we teach our kids how to be safe... here are some fun websites that do just that:

Fire Safety for Kids 

Great Kids Activities With Sparky! 

Nico the Ninja, Kids Guide to Electrical Safety

Smokey The Bear 

Controlled Burns

Before you start a controlled burn, be sure you are familiar with the law.  Here is a brief summary: 

NOTICE:  Open air fire, and other burning, is illegal within the city limits of Lexington.

* No burning until after 4:00 PM February 15 through April 30 of each year, if the fire is in or within 300 feet of woodland, brushland, or fields containing dry grass or other flammable material.

* Fire shall not be left unattended if within 150 feet of woodland, brushland, or fields containing dry grass or other flammable material.

* No new fire set or fuel added after midnight.

* Law applies to campfires, warming fires, brush piles, leaves, household trash, stumps, fields of broomstraw and brush, or anything capable of spreading fire.

* The law provides for a penalty of up to $500 plus payment of court costs and fire suppression costs if the fire escapes.

If you have a controlled burn, please follow these tips:

* Before initiating your controlled burn, call the Rockbridge Regional Communications Center ("RRCC") at (540) 463-9177 or (540) 261-6171.  Notify the RRCC of your name, intention, and location of the burn.

* Beware of power lines, trees, and structures.

* Clear all flammable materials, such as dry leaves and dry grass, from around the fire a minimum of 25 feet.

* Place your debris pile(s) a minimum of 100 feet from any structure.  Increase the distance when possible.

* Have water and hand tools (shovel/rake) available.

* Burn when the humidity is high and the wind is calm.

* Burn between 4:00 PM and midnight.

* Stay with the fire until it is completely out.  Never leave the fire unattended.

* Keep your debris piles small, adding to them as they burn down.

* If you are using a burn barrel, make sure it is in good condition and covered with a wire mesh screen.