Open Burning Guidelines
Please note this important change to OPEN BURNING (already in effect) …
Recent changes to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Environmental Protection Division (EPD) regulations are now in effect for agricultural zoned properties . EPD Air Protection Branch Chief Karen Hays confirms that in September 2018 the DNR Board approved a rule change to “Georgia Rules for Air Quality Control” in response to House Bill 885 signed into law by Governor Deal.
Here is what this means for us …
- If a citizen’s property is zoned “agricultural” (AG-1) they are now permitted to agriculturally burn during the summer “Burn Ban” as long as the Georgia Forestry Commissions’ daily fire danger rating is not a 3 or above. The Chattahoochee Hills Fire Rescue Department emphasizes the owner must contact Georgia Forestry Commission AND Station 51 for approvals/notifications.
- If a citizen’s property is AG-1 and includes more than 5 acres they are permitted to burn agriculturally without restriction to time of day.
- Smoke nuisance calls are not grounds for extinguishment. While people are still responsible for their smoke, this is a civil complaint and the Police Department should be informed.
- The Fire Department, under the auspices of the local Fire Chief/Marshal and the Georgia Minimum Fire Safety Standards (code), has the authority to prohibit and extinguish unsafe fires. These include burning too near a structure, leaving a fire unattended, not having a means for extinguishment readily available, and using flammable liquids to start the fire.
- For agriculture-related burn permits call Georgia Forestry Commission: 1-877-OK2-BURN
- A permit may be requested online at the following address: http://www.gfc.state.ga.us/online-permits/index.cfm
- Contact Chattahoochee Hills Fire Rescue Department, Station 51, to verify burn conditions, permit, location: 770-463-8177