Canton Sounds Alarm On Fire Danger

CANTON, GA -- On the heels of a 10-acre fire reported in Holly Springs and lingering dry conditions, Canton's fire marshal wants to inform residents how quickly small blazes can turn into dangerous infernos.

The Fire Marshal's Office is encouraging residents to "take note of current fire dangers and asks the community to use fire safety if recreational fires must be used," the city said

An increase in wildfires across the state have been noted due to ongoing drought, and the Georgia Forestry Commission's Fire Danger Rating is at 3 and above for our area.

Burning is not advised and due to the current rating, the city of Canton states it will not be issuing burn permits until the current rating is lowered.

Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services is also not handing out permits, and the Woodstock Fire Department states it does not issue permits on days where there is a high fire danger.

Recreational fires, defined as no larger than 3 feet in height and width, are not regulated and do not require a burn permit.

So, if your heart is set on burning a recreational fire, the Canton Fire Marshal's Office suggest you follow these measures:

• Contain fire in a structural pit confined within blocks or rocks stacked to create a wall around the fire.
• Placing a screen over the top of fires also minimizes sparks and embers from escaping.
• Never leave a fire or hot remains of a fire unattended.
• Always wet or cover fire with dirt to prevent spread.
• Stay alert and think twice about fire safety.

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