NOTICE: Due to ongoing wildfire activity across the state, all available agency resources are currently fully engaged in fire suppression operations and critical support functions. As a result, non-essential administrative processes, including responses to open records requests, are temporarily suspended.

We are evaluating operational capacity on a weekly basis and will resume processing requests as soon as conditions allow. At that time, your request will be addressed as promptly as possible. We appreciate your understanding as we prioritize the safety of our personnel and the communities we serve.

**Please note: If you have submitted an open records request and not received confirmation from us, please email wburnett@gfc.state.ga.us directly.**

Georgia’s Open Records law provides the public with broad access to departmental records and documents. The public has a right to see, inspect and copy all “public records.” However, no public official or personnel is required to prepare reports, summaries, or compilations not in existence at the time of an open records request.

Public records are broadly defined to include: documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, computer-based or generated information, data, data fields, or similar material prepared and maintained or received in the course of the operation of a public office or agency.

There are some exceptions to the release of certain records, such as insurance and medical information for personnel, or records that are included as part of an active or pending investigation.

The time expenditure cost will be calculated per hour using the salary of the lowest paid employee qualified to conduct the research of an open records request, with no charge for the first quarter hour of employee time expended. Each photocopy will be 10 cents per page. Other fees may apply for different types of media and formats, mailing costs, or other reasonable administrative costs. Payment may be made by cash, check or money order payable to the, “Georgia Forestry Commission.”

All open records requests will be processed within three business days of receipt of the request. If the records exist, but are not immediately available, the Open Records Coordinator’s response will include a description of the records and a timetable for their release. Note that fire reports are not completed and available for release until roughly 15 days after “mop-up” operations are completed for individual fires.

Procedure to Make an Open Records Request:

  1. Complete the online “Open Records Request” form below.
  2. You will receive a response within three business days of the Open Records Coordinator’s receipt of the request.
  3. If you would like to speak with someone regarding your open records request, please contact Wendy Burnett at 478-365-6233.
  4. Or print form and mail it to: 5645 Riggins Mill Road, Dry Branch, GA 31020

Georgia Open Record Request Form

Fill Out the information below and Submit when completed. GFC Open Record Coordinator, Wendy Burnett, will answer by email within 3 business days. If not, please call Wendy Burnett at 478-365-6233.

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