Outdoor Burning Ban Now in Effect in Gwinnett

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA -- Gwinnett County's fire department is reminding residents that the annual ban on nearly all outdoor burning is now in effect.

The ban in many Georgia counties, including Gwinnett, is in place each year from May 1 through September 30.

It prohibits outdoor burning in Gwinnett County, including the burning of leaves, trash, yard waste and debris from storm damage, Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services said in a news release.

Camp fires, barbecues and certain agricultural and business-related burning are exempt from the ban. So are bonfires for activities sponsored by educational, civic, religious or other groups "for the purpose of celebration," provided they have a permit.

Fires for training firefighters also are exempt.

The ban, from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, aims to curb the environmental impact of outdoor burning.

"During the summer months in Georgia, the ozone in the air we breathe can reach unhealthy levels," the fire department said in a news release. "The EPD has identified outdoor open burning as a significant contributor of the pollutants that form ozone. Consequently, outdoor open burning in metro Atlanta and larger counties is restricted during the warm weather season."

(Photo courtesy Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services)