Starting May 1, Georgia’s seasonal ban on open burning will begin. The ban prohibits the burning of yard and land debris until September 30th in 54 counties, including Clarke, Barrow, and Oconee county.
Recreational activities, including outdoor grilling and campers will remain permissible.
The ban was first initiated in 2005 and has happened every year since. According to James Boylan, Chief of the Environmental Protection Division Air Protection Branch, “Smoke from open burning can impact both the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, especially in children, elderly people, and people with preexisting conditions.”
It should be noted that some Georgia counties and cities have burning restrictions that are more stringent than the EPD’s open burning ban.