Georgia EPD Summer Burn Ban Now in Effect

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division’s summer burn ban is in effect for 54 Georgia counties. Including several in Northeast Georgia.

The ban prohibits citizens and businesses from burning yard and land-clearing debris during the summer ozone season, which runs from May 1 through September 30 and has been in place during the summer ozone season since 2005.

This is in addition to the rule that prohibits the burning of household garbage.

Burning household garbage is never allowed anywhere in Georgia.

Recreational activities such as campfires and grilling are exempt from the open burning ban.

Karen Hays, Chief of the EPD Air Protection Branch said ozone pollution can cause inflammation of the lungs and can lead to other health-related issues.

Additionally, she said smoke from fires contains fine particles that can aggravate asthma and chronic heart diseases.

In the Northeast Georgia area counties under the summer burn ban include Madison, Banks, and Jackson counties.

Citizens can access more information on the open burning ban by visiting https://epd.georgia.gov/air-protection-branch/open-burning-rules-georgia, or by calling the EPD District Office serving their area.

For Northeast Georgia, that number is 706-369-6376.