The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has identified open burning as a significant contributor of the pollutants that form ozone. Therefore, open burning in metro Atlanta and the surrounding areas must be restricted during the summer months.

Beginning May 1st and ending September 30th, EPD’s Open Burning Ban will be enforced in 54 Georgia counties, including Chattooga and surrounding Georgia counties.

The Open Burning Ban prohibits citizens and businesses from burning yard and land-clearing debris. This rule is in addition to the year-round state ban on the burning of household garbage.

In our area, Chattooga, Walker, Floyd and Gordon Counties are all included in the burn ban.

What are the rules of the open burning ban?

Don’t burn anything from May 1 – September 30.

Some exceptions include:

  • Agricultural burning exemption
  • Forestry “prescribed burning” exemption*
  • Campfires or barbeques
  • Fire-fighting training exemption, provided appropriate permit is issued
  • Operation of open flame equipment exemption
  • Explosive disposal in accordance with U.S. Department of Labor Safety Regulations

*Not exempted in the 19 county metro Atlanta non-attainment area: Bartow, Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall, Henry, Newton, Paulding, Spalding, Rockdale and Walton.

Failure to adhere to the burn ban during May – September may result in fines.