#GeorgiaForestryCommission

April 26, 2026

Burn Ban In Place As Georgia Wildfires Raise Concerns

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As wildfires continue to burn in parts of Georgia, local officials in Chattooga County are taking steps to reduce fire danger closer to home.

Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen put a countywide burn ban in place last Thursday at noon. The ban includes all outdoor burning and will remain in effect until May 1, 2026, when the Georgia EPD’s annual summer burn ban takes effect.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division’s summer open burning ban runs from May 1 through September 30 and includes Chattooga County. The EPD says the ban is aimed at reducing air pollution during the summer ozone season.

The local ban comes as Georgia officials respond to major wildfire activity, especially in South Georgia. Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for 91 counties this week due to ongoing wildfires and extreme drought conditions.

Fire officials are urging residents to avoid outdoor burning, properly dispose of cigarettes, and use caution with anything that could spark a fire.

March 31, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Free Forest Landowner Field Day Planned April 7 In Summerville

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Forest landowners across Northwest Georgia will have a chance to gain practical, hands-on advice for managing and improving their property during a free field day set for Tuesday, April 7, in Summerville.

January 23, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Ag Commissioner Tyler Harper Urges Georgians to Prepare for Extreme Cold, Winter Storm Impacts

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Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper is urging Georgians to prepare as extremely cold weather moves into parts of the state, with a potential winter storm expected to bring ice and snow beginning Friday night and lasting through the weekend. Harper says it is critical for pet and livestock owners to take precautions now to keep animals safe and warm, and he also warns that prolonged power outages at agricultural and food production facilities can lead to economic losses and serious food safety concerns.

January 18, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia Forestry Commission Urges Wildfire Awareness as Peak Season Ramps Up Across Northwest Georgia

Local News, Local News Items #BurnSafety, #chattoogacounty, #CommunitySafety, #DebrisBurning, #DryConditions, #FirePrevention, #FireSafety, #GeorgiaForestryCommission, #georgiaweather, #northwestgeorgia, #OutdoorSafety, #RedFlagConditions, #summervillega, #WildfireAwareness, #WildfireSeason 0

Northwest Georgia is entering the heart of the state’s most active wildfire season, which typically stretches from January through April, and officials say this year is lining up with that familiar trend. Dry vegetation, gusty winds, and low humidity can combine quickly to turn a small spark into a fast-moving fire — especially during warm, breezy afternoons.