(Open burning season in Gwinnett runs from October 1 through April 30)

It's open burning season in Gwinnett County. People are allowed to burn small amounts of yard debris annually from October 1 to April 30. Outdoor burning is prohibited each year in Gwinnett from May 1 to September 30.

Now is the time of year that most people tend to clear vegetation and yard debris from their property. Many people choose to burn debris such as tree limbs and leaves instead of having them hauled away. While it is open burning season in Gwinnett County, you should still check with the Fire Marshal on a day-to-day basis to check the burn status. Even within the open burning season, there may be certain days that are designated as a no-burn day. This is due to weather and atmospheric conditions. The decision is based on information obtained from the National Weather Service and the Georgia Forestry Commission.

Outdoor fires can spread quickly due to steady winds and dry-dense vegetation or underbrush. These types of fires can start from outdoor burns that are not properly conducted, an improperly discarded cigarette, sparks from vehicles, trains along the railroad tracks, hot coals from a grill, hot ashes from the fireplace, or lightning strikes. An outdoor fire can spread quickly due to steady winds or dry grass and may pose a threat to nearby fences, houses, and other types of structures. A fire can damage several yards and may even melt the siding of exterior walls on nearby homes. It is important for everyone to understand the rules for outdoor burning and to conduct burns with safety in mind.

The Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services is sharing information about the rules for outdoor burning and about open burning season. Anyone wishing to conduct an outdoor burn is encouraged to visit the Fire Marshal's website at www.gwinnettfiremarshal.com or call the Office of the Fire Marshal at 678.518.6100.

Outdoor burning rules

• Burning shall be conducted during daylight hours only, Monday through Saturday. Burning is not allowed after dark or on Sunday.
• Burning shall be of natural fallen vegetation, such as limbs, leaves, and twigs. Burning trash or other materials is not allowed.
• Burning shall be in small piles, maximum size is three feet by three feet.
• The burn pile shall be at least 50 feet from any structure or wooden fence.
• The burn pile shall be consistently attended (supervised) and a water source, such as a garden hose shall be in place that will reach the burn pile. Firefighters also suggest having a portable fire extinguisher close by as well.
• The burn pile shall be completely extinguished (put-out) before dusk. Burning after dark is not allowed.

Outdoor burning restrictions

• Outdoor burning is NOT allowed after dark or on Sundays.
• No outdoor burning is allowed if winds exceed 15 miles per hour. Never burn on a windy day! Steady winds contribute to the fast spread of outdoor fires.
• No outdoor burning when it is overcast, raining, or foggy. Burning is only allowed on clear days with little or no cloud cover. Burning is not allowed within 24-hours after a period of rain. This causes the smoke to bank-down closer to the ground, presenting a hazard.
• No burning of household garbage. Only natural/fallen yard vegetation is allowed. These include limbs, leaves, and twigs.
• No burning is allowed if the Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services or a representative from the Office of the Fire Marshal, deems the burn to be offensive to others or poses a health risk to people in the area.

For additional rules on outdoor burning or to find out when you are allowed to burn, please contact the Fire Marshal at 678.518.6100 or visit the website at www.gwinnettfiremarshal.com.