Outdoor Burn Ban Expires in Woodstock, Cherokee County

Sign up for the Woodstock-Towne Lake Patch newsletter!

---

Now that the annual outdoor burn ban imposed by the state’s Environmental Protection Division has expired, the Woodstock Fire Department has issued this reminder about the city’s ordinance on open burning.

As defined in Section 42-72 the city’s code:

Open burning for reasons other than the exceptions listed in this section is prohibited. Exceptions to the burning prohibition shall require a permit from the fire department’s fire prevention bureau. A particular exception may be disallowed by the fire marshal to safeguard the public health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the city, or because of other extenuating circumstances. No burn permits are required if the guidelines of subsection (b) of this section are met.

(b) In accordance with EPD regulations and guidelines,

(1) Burning shall not be within 50 feet of a street, building or place where people congregate.

(2) A rake and/or shovel and water hose shall be on hand at the burning site.

(3) The fire must be attended at all times until it is extinguished.

(4) No burning on overcast and/or windy days.

(5) No burning on Sunday

(6) No burning at dusk and/or at night

The annual burn ban, which spanned May 1 through Sept. 30, is part of the state’s plan to improve air quality during smog season.

Cherokee County was one of the 54 counties listed in the Environmental Protection Division Air Protection Branch’s area that were covered under the annual burn ban.

---

Image via Shutterstock