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What Can I Burn?

A guide to open burning in Georgia.

A pile of raked leaves

The Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) requires a permit for certain types of open burning, and some types are prohibited during the summer. Here is a guide for residents of the West Jackson Fire District, and it’s also helpful for Georgia counties affected by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division’s Summer Burn Ban.


Note that some jurisdictions may have local ordinances that are more restrictive than state law. If you have any questions, contact the Georgia Forestry Commission at gatrees.org or 1-800-GA-TREES (428-7337).


Yard Debris and Leaf Piles

Burn Permit Required? No, a permit is not required. However, burning yard debris is not allowed May-September in Jackson County and other counties affected by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division's Summer Burn Ban.


What’s Included? Leaves, grass and limbs that come from your property and are “hand-piled.” It is never OK to burn household trash, plastic or tires.


More info. Be sure to follow the GFC’s “Take Five” rules when burning in the yard. Escaped debris is the top cause of Georgia wildfires, so it’s important to take this seriously.


𝐒 – 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞 – 25+ feet between fire and woodlands (about the width of a two-lane road)

𝐒 – 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞 – 50+ feet between fire and structures

𝐓 – 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 – sunrise to sunset

𝐀 – 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 – Person responsible on-site until the fire is extinguished

𝐑 – 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 – Tools/measures in place to prevent escaped fire, such as a nearby water hose; man-made or natural barrier to contain fire; hand tools or fire-containing equipment on site; weather awareness (check your area’s fire weather forecast).



Land Clearing

Fire Pits and Campfires

Outdoor Cooking

Open Flame Devices

Commercial Burning


 

Resources

Georgia Forestry Commission: https://gatrees.org/

GFC Fire Weather Forecast: https://weather.gfc.state.ga.us 

National Fire Protection Association: https://nfpa.org

U.S.D.A. Forest Service: SmokeyBear.com 



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