Despite the fact that most everyone in North Georgia has heard of the "burn ban" some residents continue to burn outdoors.  Local fire departments have been called out several times over the past weeks to locations where people were burning trash or debris.

According to the Georgia Forestry Commission, The Georgia EPD imposes a ban on outdoor burning to comply with Federal Clean Air Regulations.  During the summer months in Georgia, the ozone in the air we breathe can reach unhealthy levels.  The Georgia EPD has identified open burning as a significant contributor of the pollutants that form ozone. 

The burn ban went into affect May 1st and will continue until September 30th.