It's May 1: Outdoor Burning Ban Now in Effect in Buford

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Beginning May 1, an outdoor-open burn ban is in effect for 54 counties in Georgia, including Gwinnett County.

The Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services said the ban includes most types of open outdoor fires (see more below).

The ban is in effect through Sept. 30.

From a Gwinnett Fire statement:

“The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) imposes a ban on outdoor-open 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 EPD has identified outdoor-open burning as a significant contributor of the pollutants that form ozone. Consequently, outdoor-open burning in metro Atlanta and larger counties is restricted during the warm weather season.”

The ban does not impact the use of BBQ grills, although grilling is not allowed year-round on the balconies of apartment buildings.

More from Gwinnett Fire:

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. This restriction is in addition to a ban on burning household waste that exists year-round.

The following types of outdoor-open burning are still allowed, provided the proper permits are obtained:

• Fires for agricultural practices 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 outdoor-open burning ban, please visit the website at www.gwinnettfiremarshal.com or contact the Community Risk Reduction Division/Fire Marshal’s Office at 678.518.4980. You may also go to www.georgiaair.org.