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1. Why can't I burn today?

There are many factors in the decision process as to whether or not burning is allowed.  

• Rain or heavy overcast will not allow smoke to rise and dissipate, creating a nuisance. 
• On days after a a period of rain, fuels may be too wet to burn adequately causing an excessive amount of smoke.  
• Forecast winds of 15 MPH or more can create a danger of fire spreading from blowing embers.  This is an especially big concern in areas bordering greenbelts where there is an ample amount of fuel that could cause a significant wildfire to develop.  
• Low relative humidity, less than 25%, which can develop in the afternoon in cold dry weather.  Low humidity causes fuels to dry quickly,  creating an unusually high risk of fire spread even with low or no wind.  

2. Who makes the decision on whether or not burning is allowed?

The Fire Marshal or the Assistant Fire Marshal makes the decision on whether burning is allowed by 8:00am on a daily basis.  This decision is based on ambient conditions, fire weather forecasts from the National Weather Service, and guidance from the Georgia Forestry Commission.   At times, conditions may improve or deteriorate.  In such cases, the burn/no burn status may change.  Please refer back to this website to see if the status has been updated.  

3. What do I do if smoke from a burn is causing me to have respiratory difficulty?

If someone is burning, and the smoke is causing you to have respiratory distress, please call 911.  Do not call the non-emergency number.  This is particularly important if you have Asthma, COPD, or other respiratory ailments that are aggravated by smoke.