Outdoor Burning
Burn Day Information
The Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services would like to remind residents that an annual ban on outdoor open burning is in place from May 1 through Sept. 30.
The Georgia Environmental Protection Division imposes restrictions 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 campfires and BBQ grills is still allowed and does not require a permit. As always, people should exercise extreme caution when using grills or campfires. The use of charcoal, wood, and gas grills on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction is prohibited year-round for commercial buildings and apartments 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 in areas 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 summer open burning ban, please visit https://epd.georgia.gov/air-protection-branch/open-burning-rules-georgia/summer-open-burning-ban. For additional information on outdoor burning in Gwinnett County, visit GwinnettFireMarshal.com or contact the Community Risk Reduction Division at 678-518-4980.
Burn Rules & Regulations
Medical Burn Ban
A Medical Burn Ban may be established by the Fire Marshal to provide relief for citizens with a medical condition that may be adversely affected by smoke from outdoor burning.
Citizens may request a Medical Burn Ban by having their medical doctor complete, sign, and submit the “Medical Burn Ban Application” annually and returning the original form to the Fire Marshal’s Office.
Citizens may request a “Medical Burn Ban application” by contacting our office at 678-518-4980 extension 2, or email firemarshal@gwinnettcounty.com
Upon approval of the request, a Medical Burn Ban will be established for a radius of approximately one quarter mile around the intersection nearest the applicants address.
The Medical Burn Ban prohibits the burning of yard debris, commercial pit burns, and related types of burning within the burn ban area. Cooking fires and recreational fires being used safely and in accordance with state and local laws and ordinances are not included in the medical burn ban.
The Medical Burn Ban shall not supersede the exceptions noted by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) and shall be in accordance with the Gwinnett County Fire Prevention and Protection Ordinance. The Medical Burn Ban will be established for a radius of approximately one quarter mile around the intersection nearest the applicants address. The Medical Burn Ban is good thru September 30th of each year. A new one must be requested by the resident annually.
Medical Burn Ban Locations
