Starting next week, on Wednesday, May 1st, residents in Chattooga County and fifty-three other counties in Georgia, will not be able to burn outdoors due to the annual “burn ban” which goes into effect and lasts until September 30th.

May through September is the time of year when people are more likely to be outdoors. Higher levels of ground-level ozone and particle pollution levels are recognized to contribute to human health concerns and issues, according to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division.

There are exemptions for outdoor campfires, but generally speaking, you cannot burn outside starting May 1st.

If you have outdoor burning of leaves or brush that you need to get taken care of this weekend, you will still need to get a burn permit.  You can call 1-877-OK2-BURN or visit www.gatrees.org to get an online permit. Residents inside the city limits must call their local fire department to obtain a burn permit.