Burn Types

Reduction of leaf piles, yard debris, or hand-piled natural vegetation on the premises on which they fall by the person in control of the premises, unless prohibited by local ordinance and/or regulation.

• Not allowed in  54 specific counties in and around the metro-Atlanta area, Augusta area, Chattanooga area, and Macon Area  during the months of May through September.

Carrying out recognized agricultural procedures necessary for production or harvesting of crops.

Allows open burning over any agricultural tract, lot, or parcel greater than five acres for purposes of any existing, expanded, or new agricultural operations as such term is defined by O.C.G.A. Section 1-3-3, provided that such burning is consistent with the requirements of the Federal Act and is limited to vegetative material.

The “prescribed burning” of any land by the owners or the owner’s designee.

• Not allowed in  19 metro-Atlanta counties  during the months of May through September.
• Not allowed in  35 specified counties in the Augusta area, Chattanooga area, Macon area, and surrounding the metro-Atlanta area  when an  air quality alert of “code orange” or higher  is issued for ozone.

For recreational purposes or cooking food for immediate human consumption.

Fires set for purposes of training fire-fighting personnel when authorized by the appropriate governmental entity.

Acquired structure burns provided that an Authorization to Burn certificate has been issued by the Environmental Protection Division.

• Not allowed in  54 specific counties in and around the metro-Atlanta area, Augusta area, Chattanooga area, and Macon Area during the months of May through September.

Disposal of vegetative debris from storm damage.

• Not allowed in  counties whose total population, as listed in the 2010 Census, exceeds 65,000 and are subject to the summer burn ban .
• Not allowed in  54 specific counties in and around the metro-Atlanta area, Augusta area, Chattanooga area, and Macon Area during the months of May through September.

For weed abatement, disease, and pest prevention.

• Not allowed in  counties whose total population, as listed in the 2010 Census, exceeds 65,000 and are subject to the summer burn ban .
• Not allowed in  54 specific counties in and around the metro-Atlanta area, Augusta area, Chattanooga area, and Macon Area during the months of May through September.

Operation of devices using open flames such as tar kettles, blow torches, welding torches, portable heaters and other flame-making equipment.

Open burning for the purpose of land clearing or construction or right-of-way maintenance provided the following conditions are met:

(i) Prevailing winds at the time of the burning are away from the major portion of the area's population;

(ii) The location of the burning is at least 1,000 feet from any occupied structure, or lesser distance if approved by the Division;

(iii) The amount of dirt on or in the material being burned is minimized;

(iv) Heavy oils, asphaltic materials, items containing natural or synthetic rubber, or any materials other than plant growth are not being burned; and

(v) No more than one pile 60 feet by 60 feet, or equivalent, is being burned within a 9-acre area at one time.

• Not allowed in  counties whose total population, as listed in the 2010 Census, exceeds 65,000 and are subject to the summer burn ban .
• Not allowed in  54 specific counties in and around the metro-Atlanta area, Augusta area, Chattanooga area, and Macon Area during the months of May through September.

Disposal of all packaging materials previously containing explosives, in accordance with U.S. Department of Labor Safety Regulations.

Open burning of vegetative material for the purpose of land clearing using an  air curtain destructor  provided the following conditions are met:

(i) Authorization for such open burning is received from the fire department, if required, having local jurisdiction over the open burning location prior to initiation of any open burning at such location;

(ii) The location of the air curtain destructor is at least 300 feet from any occupied structure or public road. Air curtain destructors used solely for utility line clearing or road clearing may be located at a lesser distance upon approval by the Division;

(iii) No more than one air curtain destructor is operated within a ten (10) acre area at one time or there must be at least 1000 feet between any two air curtain destructors;

(iv) Only wood waste consisting of trees, logs, large brush and stumps which are relatively free of soil are burned in the air curtain destructor;

(v) Tires or other rubber products, plastics, heavy oils or asphaltic based or impregnated materials are not used to start or maintain the operation of the air curtain destructor;

(vi) The air curtain destructor is constructed, installed and operated in a manner consistent with good air pollution control practice for minimizing emissions of fly ash and smoke;

(vii) The cleaning out of the air curtain destructor pit is performed in a manner to prevent fugitive dust; and

(viii) The air curtain destructor cannot be fired before 10:00 a.m. and the fire must be completely extinguished, using water or by covering with dirt, at least one hour before sunset.

• Not allowed in  54 specific counties in and around the metro-Atlanta area, Augusta area, Chattanooga area, and Macon Area during the months of May through September.