The statewide summer burn ban was suspended on Oct. 1, which resulted in a busy day for Putnam County Fire Department firefighters.
“On that first day the burn was lifted, we responded to four out-of-control fires that all started as a result of people burning,” Putnam County Fire Chief Thomas McClain said. “You don’t always need a burn permit, it depends on what you’re burning and where you’re burning. But you should always turn to the Georgia Forestry Commission’s website for burning recommendations and regulations.”
Putnam County was under a “high fire risk” warning those first few days of October, according to McClain.
“It was extremely dry around here because it had been a long time since we’d had rain,” he explained. “And the wind was blowing.
“Both are very dangerous conditions for outdoor burning. So, there’s more to it than the date or the permit, you have to look at conditions and referring to the Forestry’s website will give you that information.”
The fire chief offers these important reminders before doing any outdoor burning:
• Check current fire conditions and weather.
• Follow the Georgia Forestry Commission’s safe-burning requirements.
• Keep adequate water and fire-suppression tools readily available.
• Never leave a fire unattended.
• Make sure your fire is completely extinguished before leaving the area.
• Obtain a burn permit whenever one is required.
“For hand-piled natural vegetation such as leaves and limbs, a burn permit is generally not required but specific safety requirements must still be followed,” McClain emphasized.
Other types of burning – including certain agricultural, silvicultural, landclearing, and prescribed burns – may require a permit or notification, he added. Permit availability is dependent on current fire conditions and restrictions.
The Georgia Forestry Commission also adds other guidelines that include:
• Keep the fire at least 25 feet from woodlands or other flammable vegetation.
• The fire should be at least 50 feet from structures.
• Burn only between sunrise and sunset.
Find these and other warnings, conditions, and tips at GaTrees.org “Please don’t assume that because the burn ban has been lifted, conditions are safe for burning,” McClain said. “Think before you burn and burn responsibly.”