Ban remains in effect until October

A countywide, state-mandated ban on outdoor burning goes into effect Sunday, May 1, and lasts through September 30. The ban prohibits all outdoor burning including the burning of leaves, trash, yard debris and storm damage, as well as bon fires.

Limited exceptions to the outdoor burn ban include: recreation/cooking fires, campfires in approved areas, open flame equipment/tar kettles/etc. and miscellaneous warming fires at construction sites. The use of fire pits is prohibited during the ban, unless they are natural gas- or propane-fueled and/or used for cooking.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division imposes this ban on outdoor burning to comply with Federal Clean Air Regulations. During the summer months in Georgia, the ozone in the air can reach unhealthy levels. Open burning has been identified as a significant contributor of the pollutants that form ozone.

Click here for details regarding outdoor burning regulations or call the Forsyth County Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Office at (678) 455-8072.