Georgia’s Outdoor Burn Ban
Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) Open Burning Ban Begins May 1, 2011 for 54 Georgia Counties
04.29.11 EPD Press Release
When is the burn ban in effect?
The burn ban is in effect from May 1 through September 30 each year.
What counties are under the burn ban in 2011?
The following counties are under the outdoor burn ban:
Banks, Barrow, Bartow, Bibb, Butts, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Clarke, Clayton, Cobb, Columbia, Coweta, Crawford, Dawson, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Floyd, Forsyth, Fulton, Gordon, Gwinnett, Hall, Haralson, Heard, Henry, Houston, Jackson, Jasper, Jones, Lamar, Lumpkin, Madison, Meriwether, Monroe, Morgan, Newton, Oconee, Paulding, Peach, Pickens, Pike, Polk, Putnam, Richmond, Rockdale, Spalding, Troup, Twiggs, Upson, Walker and Walton. EPD Burn Restriction Areas 2011
Who is responsible for the burn ban?
The outdoor burning ban is under the jurisdiction of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Environmental Protection Division (EPD), Air Protection Branch.
Why is the burn ban needed?
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.
How can the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) help me determine whether I can burn or not?
The Georgia Forestry Commission’s on-line burn permit system and 1-877-OK2-BURN phone system will inform by county whether or not you can burn or you can call your local GFC professionals.
Who can I call for information?
Georgia EPD Air Protection offices
Your local GFC office
Your local Fire Department
Other Resources
Open Burning Rules for Georgia
Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division (EPD), Air Protection Branch
Clean Air Act - U.S. EPA
Office of Air and Radiation - U.S. EPA
