Forsyth County Burning Ban Starts Next Sunday

CUMMING, GA -- A countywide, state-mandated ban on all outdoor burning goes into effect for Forsyth County next Sunday, May 1.

The ban lasts through September 30.

It prohibits all outdoor burning in Forsyth County, including the burning of leaves, trash, yard waste and debris from storm damage, the county said in a news release.

Camp fires, barbecues and certain agricultural and business-related burning are exempt from the ban.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division imposes the ban in parts of the state to comply with federal clear-air regulations.

During the hot summer months in Georgia, the ozone in the air can reach unhealthy levels. Open burning has been identified as a significant contributor of pollutants that help create ozone.

According to the Environmental Protection Division, burning in which the smoke is not filtered through a chimney or other device releases nitrogen oxides, which can be harmful, into the open air.

In Georgia, the May-September burning ban is enforced in 54 counties, most of them in the metro Atlanta area.

For more details concerning the outdoor burning regulations, you can visits www.forsythco.com, or call the Forsyth County Fire Department's fire marshal's office at (678) 455-8072.