Debris Burning
Debris burning is Georgia’s #1 cause of wildfire. It accounts for approximately 51% of all wildfires in Georgia. Debris burning is categorized into different types: Yard Leaf Piles, Agricultural, Forestry Site Preparation, Household Garbage, Construction Land Clearing, and Escaped Prescribed Burning. Burning yard leaf piles is the most common cause of wildfire.
The Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) has a wildfire prevention initiative to reach debris burners and educate them on proper debris burning techniques.
All debris burning requires a burn permit with the exception of agricultural fields or pastures which requires notification. The burning of household garbage is prohibited and not permitted by the Georgia Forestry Commission. A major cause of debris burn wildfires is not obtaining a permit and burning with improper weather conditions.
Permits are obtained by calling your local GFC County office or online.
The Georgia Forestry Commission launched a new burn permit system in October 2005
giving homeowners an easy way to get approval for outdoor burning activities. By calling
1-877-OK2-BURN, toll-free, callers can automatically find out if conditions are appropriate
for burning natural debris outside city limits (additional details and information).
Arson
Arson is Georgia’s #2 cause of wildfires. Arson accounts for approximately 18% of all wildfires in Georgia. As a part of Georgia’s fire prevention campaign, billboards addressing arson are located in counties where arson is the #1 cause of wildfire.
Suspected arson caused wildfires are investigated in Georgia. The public is encouraged to participate by coming forward with any information that may help in prosecuting arsonists. At times, reward money is available if a suspected arsonist is convicted.
If anyone has information concerning woods arson please call a GFC office or 1-800-GA-TREES or Georgia Arson Control, Inc.
