Summer Burn Ban in Place for 54 North Georgia Counties

The Georgia Forestry Commission has issued an outdoor burn ban for most counties in North Georgia through September.

The burn ban began Sunday, May 1, in 54 Georgia counties, primarily in the northern half of the state.

In our area, Banks, Jackson, Lumpkin, Hall, and Madison counties are affected by the burn ban.

People living in those counties are asked to refrain from burning yard and land clearing debris, because the smoke can negatively impact the state’s air quality during the hot summer months by contributing to high ozone levels, according to Georgia Forestry Commission Protection Chief Frank Sorrells.

“These restrictions are required by the state Environmental Protection Division so less particulate matter is released into the air,” said Georgia Forestry Commission Protection Chief, Frank Sorrells. “The risk of wildfire is also high at this time, and the Georgia Forestry Commission will be closely monitoring fire activity to keep Georgians and their property safe.”

People living in Franklin, Hart, and Stephens counties, which are not included in the annual burn ban, will continue to be required to follow specific fire safety guidelines and any local ordinances governing debris burning.

The five safety precautions now mandated by law include set spacing between fires and woodlands and structures, burn times from sunrise to sunset, burner attendance at the fire, and reasonable precautions such as weather awareness and suppression tools.

Additionally, Georgia Forestry Commission Director Tim Lowrimore said humans are the number one cause of wildfires.

“As outdoor recreation season begins, we need to lower the risk of wildfire by paying close attention to weather conditions and safety precautions. Everyone needs to work together to ensure an enjoyable and fire-free summer,” he said.

Full details including video resources can be found at GaTrees.org/burn-permits-and-notifications/.

For more information about annual summer burn restrictions, burn permits, and services of the Georgia Forestry Commission, visit GaTrees.org.