The Environmental Protection Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources restricts open burning from May through September of each year.
Why?
During the warm weather seasons, the particulates in an open-air fire become more significant contributors to unhealthy levels of ozone. By banning open fires during those months in heavily populated Atlanta and the majority of its surrounding counties, there is a reduction in the
Once the weather has turned cooler, certain types of outdoor burning
The following types of burning can be done without a permit:
- Leaves, limbs, and natural vegetation
- Fires that provide warmth
- Fires that cook food
- Recreational fires in an outdoor fireplace
Always check with your county before you do any sort of large surface, outdoor burning! If you need a permit, visit http://www.gfc.state.ga.us/online-permits/index.cfm.
General safety tips for any type of open burning:
- Gather the necessary supplies for controlling the fire—a rake, a shovel and a water hose connected to a good water source.
- Find a burn spot that can be easily controlled in a level area, away from any buildings.
- Start small.
- Make sure all the materials being burned are natural. No man-made products (such as processed lumber) that might contain chemicals that
ignites or gives off noxious fumes. - No burning within 20 feet of flammable or combustible materials.
- Never leave an outdoor fire burning unattended.
An outdoor fire burning out of control can threaten the safety of your home and family. And in Georgia, illegal outdoor burning can get you in a world of trouble. Don’t play with fire—play it safe!
Check out our website for information about fire protection inside your home! You can add monitoring for fire, smoke, and heat at no additional monthly cost.
