Story Published:
Apr 22, 2009 at 1:40 PM EST
Story Updated:
Apr 22, 2009 at 1:40 PM EST
EVANS, Ga. - The ban on burning for much of Georgia resumes Friday, May 1.
The annual restrictions will be in place for 54 counties through Sept. 30.
“The Georgia Environmental Protection Division puts this ban in place to comply with Federal Clean Air Regulations,” said Alan Dozier, Chief of Forest Protection for the Georgia Forestry Commission. “Ozone levels increase to unhealthy levels in summer,” he said. “Most types of open burning are restricted during the ban in an effort to manage the summertime surge in ozone levels.”
In our area, Columbia and Richmond counties are included in the burn ban.
The Georgia Forestry Commission operates an on-line burn permit system at 1-877-OK2-BURN. The phone system informs callers by county whether or not they can burn. Residents may also call their county GFC office for more information or visit GaTrees.org.
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