Outdoor Burn Ban Goes Into Effect Sunday

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CARTERSVILLE, GA -- The Georgia Environmental Protection Division's ban on open burning will return on Sunday, May 1.

The ban, which has been in effect during the summer months since 2005, applies to 54 counties: 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.

The open burning ban prohibits citizens and businesses from burning yard and land-clearing debris from May 1 through Sept. 30.

This restriction is in addition to a ban on the burning of household garbage, which is enforced year-round throughout Georgia. Residents should note these rules are in place to protect the public, as a person’s health may be negatively impacted by the chemicals and pollutants found in the smoke released from fires.

Some actions, such as campfires and agricultural activities, are exempt, however.

Citizens can obtain additional information online or by calling the EPD District Office in their area.

• Mountain District Office (Atlanta): 404-362-2671 Carroll, Clayton, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Heard, Henry, Rockdale and Spalding counties.
• Mountain District Office (Cartersville): 770-387-4900 Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Cobb, Dawson, Floyd, Forsyth, Gordon, Haralson, Lumpkin, Paulding, Pickens, Polk, and Walker counties.

Small businesses can obtain help and information by calling EPD’s Small Business Environmental Assistance Program toll-free at 1-877-427-6255.

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