Burn Ban To Begin Next Week

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division’s ban on open burning is set to begin Tuesday, May 1 for 54 counties, including Cobb and Douglas.

From the EPD: “In areas across the state of Georgia during the summer months, the ozone in the air we breathe can reach unhealthy levels … (The EPD) has identified open burning as a significant contributor of the pollutants that form ozone. Therefore, open burning in these areas must be restricted during the summer months.”

Recreational burning and cookouts are still allowed, but the burning of construction debris, construction waste, household trash and oil-based material is not.

"The types of chemicals released into the air as these are burned are strong in concentration and can quickly reduce air quality," according to the EPD.

Other exceptions specifically for Cobb and Douglas specifically include: 

• Carrying out recognized agricultural procedures necessary for production or harvesting of crops.
• Fires set for purposes of training firefighting personnel when authorized by the appropriate governmental entity.
• Operation of devices using open flames such as tar kettles, blow torches, welding torches, portable heaters and other flame-making equipment.
• Disposal of all packaging materials previously containing explosives, in accordance with U.S. Department of Labor Safety Regulations.

Whenever possible, the EPD says, the above exceptions should be conducted between 10 a.m. and one hour before sunset. 

Ways on how to deal with any extra yard waste or debris that may come about because of the ban are at the bottom of the attached document.