A statewide effort to improve air quality during the hottest months of the year is set to begin, as the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) enforces its annual Open Burning Ban from May 1 through September 30.
The seasonal restriction targets ozone pollution, which can rise to unhealthy levels during the summer in areas like Atlanta and surrounding regions. Ozone forms when volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides—often released through the burning of fuels and debris—react in the presence of sunlight.
EPD officials say open burning is a significant contributor to these pollutants, prompting the yearly ban across 54 counties statewide.
Under the ban, residents and businesses are prohibited from burning yard waste and land-clearing debris. This restriction is in addition to Georgia’s year-round ban on burning household garbage.
The affected counties span several regions, including metro Atlanta, northeast Georgia, central Georgia, and northwest Georgia. Locally, counties such as Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Floyd, Gordon, and Walker fall under the Mountain District Office’s jurisdiction.
While the rule is broad, several limited exceptions remain in place. These include agricultural burning, forestry-prescribed burns (with some restrictions in metro Atlanta areas), campfires and barbecues, permitted firefighting training exercises, certain industrial operations involving open flames, and explosive disposal conducted under federal safety regulations.
However, officials note that prescribed burning is not allowed in 19 counties within the metro Atlanta non-attainment area, where air quality concerns are most severe.
Residents who violate the burn ban could face fines and other penalties.
EPD encourages the public to follow the restrictions and take additional steps to reduce air pollution during the summer months, helping protect public health and maintain cleaner air across the state.
