For the past sixteen years, Chattooga County – and neighboring counties in Northwest Georgia – has been subject to an annual summertime burn ban that goes in place the first day of May and ends on September 30th.

The burn ban is enforced by the Georgia Forestry Commission.  According to the commission, “In Atlanta, during the summer months, the ozone in the air we breathe can reach unhealthy levels. Ozone is formed when volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides react in the presence of sunlight. A major source of these pollutants is the burning of fuels and other combustible material.” The Forestry Commission and Environmental Protection Division (EPD) say that by limiting summertime burning in fifty-four counties in North Georgia, it improves the air quality in Atlanta.

The EPD says, “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.”

There are some exceptions to the burn ban, but for the most part, if you are looking to burn outdoor debris such as brush or leaves – you will still have to wait a few weeks.