What Can I Burn?
- West Jackson Fire Department
- Oct 1, 2024
- 3 min read
A guide to open burning in Georgia.

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
Burn Permit Required? Yes. Contact the Georgia Forestry Commission at gatrees.org or 1-800-GA-TREES (428-7337).
What’s Included? Clearing of land using a machine, such as for a garden spot or building. Burning off acreage. Undergrowth burning. Prescribed burning.
More info. Violators of state law are subject to fines, and the cost is even greater if the fire department is called to put out a fire.
Fire Pits and Campfires
Burn Permit Required? No. Fire pits and campfires are always allowed.
What’s Included? Backyard fire pits or chimineas. Campfires at a campsite.
More info. Smokey Bear has tips for building a safe campfire at https://smokeybear.com. Our favorite tips include
- Don’t let the fire get too big.
- Don’t leave a campfire unattended.
- Drown all the embers with water until the hissing sound stops.
Outdoor Cooking
Burn Permit Required? No. Outdoor cooking is always allowed.
What’s Included? Cooking food that you are going to eat immediately. Grills, smokers, griddles, etc.
More info. Even if you can’t see the flame while you’re cooking, it still holds the same risk.
National Fire Protection Association offers some great tips for grilling enthusiasts at nfpa.org, including
- Check for propane leaks.
- Keep your devices clean.
- Position the device away from fire hazards and your home.
- Never leave a lit grill unattended.
- Don’t add lighter fluid to a lit grill.
- Let coals cool completely before throwing out.
Open Flame Devices
Burn Permit Required? No. Small flame-making devices do not require a burn permit.
What’s Included? Portable heaters, tar kettles, blow torches, welding torches, and other similar devices.
More info. Here are some safety tips for portable heaters, and you can find more at propane.com.
- If you smell rotten eggs, don’t light your heater! You may have a gas leak.
- Do not move a heater after it has been lit.
- Place the heater in a location where it will not be knocked over, and keep it far from fire hazards.
- Do not store propane containers indoors. Keep the cylinder upright and in a ventilated area.
Commercial Burning
We’ve covered the types of burning that typically apply to homeowners. Most types of commercial burning require a permit from the Georgia Forestry Commission, gatrees.org or 1-800-GA-TREES (428-7337).
Resources
Georgia Forestry Commission: https://gatrees.org/
GFC Fire Weather Forecast: https://weather.gfc.state.ga.us
Georgia Environmental Protection Division: https://epd.georgia.gov/air-protection-branch/open-burning-rules-georgia
National Fire Protection Association: https://nfpa.org
U.S.D.A. Forest Service: SmokeyBear.com
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