Burn Season Resumes Oct. 1

Paulding County residents starting Monday will be able to resume outdoor burning activities.

The annual statewide ban on open burning began May 1; it was issued by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and affects 54 counties in Georgia, including Paulding. The ban prohibits residents and businesses from burning yard and land-clearing debris; the rule is in addition to the year-round state ban on the burning of household garbage, according to Georgia DNR.

But the statewide ban’s last day for the season is Sept. 30, and while county residents will be allowed to do some outdoor burning after that day, they still will have to follow a few rules to stay within the county’s burn ordinance:

• Before burning, you must call an automated phone system at 770-505-2876. You must listen to the entire recording to know if outdoor burning is allowed that day, and you must call each day that you plan to burn.
• A fire must be at least 50 feet away from any structure.
• A garden hose or water supply must be readily available.
• The material that will be burned cannot exceed 8 feet by 8 feet by 8 feet in size. Natural vegetation burns that exceed the size limit must contact Georgia Forestry for a permit at 770-443-7821.
• Only natural products—leaves, tree limbs, etc.—can be burned. No hazardous materials—tires, plastics, etc.—can be burned.
• The wind speed and gusts must be less than 10 mph.

Campfires for recreational use or cooking are allowed but must be contained inside a ring, pit, or rock border and no larger than 3 feet by 3 feet. The fires must be attended at all times with adult supervision. Grass clippings and leaves cannot be burned. They should be extinguished thoroughly when completed.

A bonfire is normally associated with groups or organizations and are no larger than 6 feet by 6 feet in size. These fires must have prior approval from the fire chief or his designee; those wishing to pursue a bonfire should call 770-222-1160 for assistance.

Burning of any type of structure is not allowed.

Commercial burn permits are issued by Georgia Forestry at 770-443-7821.