Ask The Arborist

…Forestry Commission, and while our community foresters are International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborists, their expertise mainly pertains to trees commonly found in Georgia. Note: GFC email serves cannot accept…

New Rules in Effect as North Georgia Burn Ban is Lifted

…planning to conduct burning be acutely aware of local weather conditions prior to igniting their burn,” said Georgia Forestry Commission Chief of Protection Frank Sorrells. “Local wind speed and direction,…

Forestry Employees Honored for Outstanding Service to Georgia

…achievements. Georgia Forestry Protection Chief Frank Sorrells said the North Zone County Unit of the Year Award was presented to employees in the Elbert/Franklin/Hart/Madison Unit. “Each employee completed 51-70 hours…

Wildfires on the Rise in Georgia


* Georgia law no longer requires notification to the Georgia Forestry Commission by people planning to burn yard debris. Charges may apply if wildfire results from escaped burning and evidence…

North Georgia Burn Ban Helps Boost Air Quality

…said Georgia Forestry Commission Protection Chief Frank Sorrells. “By limiting outdoor burning, fewer chemicals and particle pollutants are released into the air.” The burn ban is in effect until September…

North Georgia Outdoor Burn Ban Ends September 30

…calling the local GFC office or by dialing 1-888-OK-2-BURN. “Our first concern is always safety,” said Georgia Forestry Commission Protection Chief Frank Sorrells. “Recent rainfall from tropical storms have provided…

Community Tree Advocacy

…is a group of concerned citizens, usually volunteer, charged by their community’s tree ordinance to develop and administer a comprehensive tree management program. If your community is looking to start…

Firefighting Training & Resources

…is issued by the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC), the “Authority Having Jurisdiction” for wildland fire certification in the state of Georgia, in the form of a training completion certificate. Red…

North Georgia Burn Ban Boosts Air Quality

…air,” said Georgia Forestry Commission Protection Chief, Frank Sorrells. “The risk of wildfire is also high at this time, and the Georgia Forestry Commission will be closely monitoring fire activity…

Annual Northern Georgia Burn Ban Begins May 1

…activities,” said Frank Sorrells, Chief of Protection for the Georgia Forestry Commission. “Our agencies closely monitor air quality, weather conditions and open burning for the safety of all Georgians.” The…