Burn Permits & Burn Ban
As of October 1, the EPD-mandated burn ban has been lifted
Click HERE for the burning Help Sheet
This ordinance will be enforced when persons are grossly negligent or repeatedly ignoring the outdoor burning (ordinance) requirements.
Outdoor Burning Ordinance
The outdoor burning ban is under the jurisdiction of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Environmental Protection Division (EPD), Air Protection Branch.
The Georgia EPD imposes a ban on outdoor burning to comply with Federal Clean Air Regulations. During the summer months in Georgia, the ozone in the air we breathe can reach unhealthy levels. The Georgia EPD has identified open burning as a significant contributor of the pollutants that form ozone. Consequently, open burning in metro Atlanta and larger counties must be restricted during the summer months.
Fulton County is included in the burn ban which is in effect from May 1 through September 30 each year.
Open burning is allowed October 1 through April 30 each year. During this time, you may burn limited yard debris (leaves, pine straw, and small limbs). The following restrictions for burning also apply:
Burning is allowed between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and one hour before sunset (no smoldering or hot coals remaining).
No burning is allowed on windy days (10 mph or higher)or on days when the atmospheric conditions (cloudy, overcast or raining) would cause the smoke to remain low to the ground.
Burning must be attended by an adult who must be watching the fire at all times. Never leave a fire unattended.
A water hose must be on hand that can reach the fire, and can be ready to use if needed.
Fires must be at least 50 feet from all structures, including fences of combustible material, etc.
Fires may not be started with petroleum-based products.
You may not burn refuse or other combustibles, such as garbage of any kind, construction material, plastic products, fiberglass, tree trunks, stumps, kudzu vines, or corn stalks. Any material that is moved from one location to a different property cannot be burned. Burning for recycling wires (to access metal) or tires (to access wheels) is not allowed. For information regarding alternative methods to dispose of yard waste, contact the Georgia Environmental Division at 404-362-2537.
Please understand that even if you follow all of the guidelines for burning, you may be required to extinguish the fire if it adversely interferes with another’s enjoyment of life, use of property, or if someone with a health problem is affected.
Contact the Chattahoochee Hills Fire Department at 770-463-8177 prior to any outdoor burning.
NOTE: During the burning period, a fire official may prohibit burning at times when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make burning hazardous.
For additional information, please visit the Georgia Forestry Commission website at: http://www.gfc.state.ga.us/ForestFire/GeorgiaBurnBan.cfm