The Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services would like remind citizens that a ban on outdoor/open burning is in place annually from May 1 through September 30. In accordance with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources ban on open burning, 54 counties in Georgia (including Gwinnett) are responsible for complying with the state-issued burn ban.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division imposes an annual ban on outdoor burning to comply with Federal Clean Air Regulations. During the summer months in Georgia, the ozone in the air we breathe can reach unhealthy levels. The EPD has identified outdoor/open burning as a significant contributor of the pollutants that form ozone. Consequently, open burning in metro Atlanta and larger counties is restricted during the warm weather season.

The safe and cautious use of residential grills for outdoor cooking is still allowed and does not require a permit. The use of grills on balconies of apartment buildings is totally prohibited under the Gwinnett County Fire Ordinance.

The following types of outdoor/open burning are banned:

• You may not burn trees, limbs, or any other yard waste. This includes a ban on the use of air curtain destructors for land clearing.

The following types of outdoor/open burning are still allowed, provided the proper permits are obtained:

• Fires for agricultural practices zoned RA-200/residential agricultural or a forestry service prescribed burn.
• Fires for the purpose of training of firefighting personnel.
• Permits are required for all Bonfires for activities sponsored by educational, civic, religious, or other groups for the purpose of celebration. For information on permits, click here or call 678.518.6000.

For additional information, please contact the Gwinnett Fire Community Risk Reduction Division/Fire Marshal’s Office at 678.518.4980 or go to the website at www.gwinnettfiremarshal.com.