(Lawrenceville, Ga., April 30, 2018) – The Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services would like to remind residents that a ban on outdoor open burning is in place annually from May 1 through September 30.   

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) imposes a ban on outdoor open 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, outdoor open burning in metro Atlanta and larger counties is restricted during the warm-weather season.   

The safe use of residential grills for outdoor cooking is still allowed and does not require a permit.  As always, people should exercise extreme caution when using residential grills or campfires.  The use of grills on the balcony of apartment buildings is prohibited year-round under the Gwinnett County Fire Ordinance.

The following types of outdoor open burning are banned:

• The outdoor open burning ban prohibits the burning of yard and land clearing debris during the months of May through September.  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.
• All Bonfires for activities sponsored by educational, civic, religious, or other groups for the purpose of celebration are required to be permitted.
• Fires for the purpose of training of firefighting personnel.

    For additional information concerning the outdoor open burning ban, please visit www.gwinnettfiremarshal.com or contact the Community Risk Reduction Division at 678.518.4980 (select option-3).  You may also go to www.georgiaair.org.