Burning Ban Back In Effect In Gwinnett

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA — A seasonal, outdoor burning ban for much of metro Atlanta, including Gwinnett County, went back into effect on Monday.

The Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services was reminding residents about the ban, which runs from May 1 through September 30.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division imposes the ban to comply with Federal Clean Air Regulations. During the summer months in Georgia, the ozone in the air 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 throughout the state is restricted during the warm-weather season.

The safe use of residential grills for outdoor cooking is still allowed and does not require a permit. As always, people should exercise caution when using grills or campfires, the fire department said. The use of grills on the balcony of apartment buildings is prohibited year-round under the Gwinnett County Fire Ordinance.

The following types of outdoor open burning are banned:

• The burning of yard and land-clearing debris. This includes a ban on the use of air-curtain destructors for land clearing.

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 firefighting personnel.

For additional information concerning the outdoor open burning ban, visit the Gwinnett County Fire Marshal's website or contact the Community Risk Reduction Division at 678.518.4980 (Select Option No. 3).

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