LAWRENCEVILLE — The Gwinnett County Fire Department sent out a notice that the annual outdoor open burn ban is now in effect. The ban lasts from May 1 until September 30 every year.
During the summer months in Georgia, the sky around metro Atlanta can be really unhealthy to breathe. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division has identified outdoor burning as a significant source of ozone pollution. In order to comply with Federal Clean Air Regulations, the Georgia EPD has imposed a ban on all outdoor open burning in metro Atlanta and other large counties during the summer months.
There are some activities such as grilling and campfires are still permitted so long as they are done in a safe manner. The Gwinnett County Fire Ordinance strictly prohibits the use of charcoal, wood, or gas grills on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction for commercial buildings or apartments. This restriction is in place all year long.
The following types of outdoor open burning are banned:
- The outdoor open burning ban prohibits the burning of yard and land clearing debris during the months of May through September. This includes a ban on the use of air curtain destructors for land clearing.
The following types of outdoor open burning are still allowed, provided the proper permits are obtained:
- Fires for agricultural practices in areas zoned RA-200/residential agricultural or a Forestry Service prescribed burn.
- All bonfires for activities sponsored by educational, civic, religious, or other groups for the purpose of celebration are required to be permitted.
- Fires for the purpose of training of firefighting personnel.
For additional information concerning the summer open burning ban, please visit https://epd.georgia.gov/air-protection-branch/open-burning-rules-georgia/summer-open-burning-ban. For additional information on outdoor burning in Gwinnett County, visit www.gwinnettfiremarshal.com or contact the Community Risk Reduction Division at 678.518.4980.
— Staff Reports
