Georgia’s Outdoor Burn Ban
Georgia EPD Annual Burn Ban Begins
04.23.08 Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division
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 2008?
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. Map of Georgia counties under EPD burn ban
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
Resources
Georgia EPD – Air Protection in Georgia web page
Georgia Air Quality Forecast - GA EPD
Georgia and Atlanta Air Quality Data - GA EPD
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Air and Radiation
The Plain English Guide to the Clean Air Act - US EPA
Clean Air Rules of 2004 - US EPA
