The Department of Fire and Emergency Services would like to remind residents that an annual ban on outdoor open burning is in place through September 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 Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services’ Community Risk Reduction Division at 678.518.4980.