(Lawrenceville, Ga., March 23, 2020) – By order of the Gwinnett County Fire Marshal’s office, outdoor burning is banned effective today at 10 p.m. The ban is in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been declared both a national emergency and a state public health emergency.

Gwinnett Fire Chief Russell Knick reminds residents that the Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services provides all of the emergency medical response services in the county.

“It is crucial at a time like this for Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services personnel to be available to provide uninterrupted emergency services to our residents,” said Knick. “Responding to calls for service related to outdoor fires will divert the department’s personnel and resources from providing critical services during this public health crisis.”

The following outdoor fires are prohibited: burning of leaves, limbs and natural vegetation that may fall on one’s property; prescribed burning; acquired structure burns; vegetative debris from storms; and weed abatement, disease and pest prevention.

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 ban imposed by the order will remain in effect March 23 through April 30 at 11:59 p.m., when the the annual burn ban will go into effect through Sept. 30. The Gwinnett County Code of Ordinances allows the Fire Marshal’s Office totemporarily prohibit outdoor fires when local circumstances make such fires hazardous.

The Gwinnett County Fire Marshal’s Office order signed March 23, 2020