Friday marks the start of the seasonal “burn ban” covering much of Georgia – though people have ample reason this year not to burn anything at any point given widespread, potentially perilous dry conditions.

State rules regarding open burns shift between May 1 and September 30 across 54 counties, with Fulton County (which includes Milton) being among them. The enhanced restrictions over these months – which tend to be dryer and hotter – aim to lessen the likelihood of devastating wildfires and to enhance air quality. 

This fire prevention message is especially salient this spring. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Milton is experiencing an “Extreme Drought” (which is the 5^th of 6 highest possibility). While there’s a chance of rain most days this coming week, it will take time to recover fully from a drought. Also, some of the rain will come in the form of thunderstorms, which carries a different risk since lightning could spark fires. 

Wildfires are already burning in South Georgia (and North Florida), with Gov. Brian Kemp having declared a State of Emergency in 91 counties. Fulton County isn’t among them yet.

In Milton, most land area is zoned AG-1, or agricultural, with each parcel at least one acre in size. Once the “burn ban” takes effect Friday, no open burning in these areas will be allowed. 

There are exceptions, specifically allowing open burns:

• Needed to produce and/or harvest crops on “recognized agricultural procedures”
• On parcels 5 acres or larger to burn “vegetative material for agricultural operations”

Even these exceptions don’t apply when there’s a “Fire Danger Rating” of 3 or higher as measured by the Georgia Forestry Commission and updated daily online HERE: https://weather.gfc.state.ga.us/Maps/fd.gif. In other words, you may not be able to burn based on this rating, which indicates an especially high danger for wildfires based on combinations of high heat, dry conditions, and winds that could fan flames.

People in Milton also cannot do open burns if they create smoke with an opacity greater than 40% that could adversely affect the health or welfare of community members. (The burn ban does not apply to backyard barbeques and the like.)

Whether it’s before or after May 1, open burns for the disposal of yard debris are not allowed year-round in parts of Milton that aren’t zoned agricultural (so more densely populated areas). 

If you have questions or concerns about open burns in the city, please contact the Fire Marshal’s office at 678-242-2541 or fire.marshal@miltonga.gov.