Debris burning: safe practices [2010]

Before You Burn...

Make sure you know about: n Permits n Safety n Smoke

It's the law!

Did you know that debris burning is Georgia's number one cause of wildfires? To prevent injury and damage, state law requires residents to obtain a burn permit before burning outdoors. Illegal burning without a permit is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and a year imprisonment. Stay safe...burn legally...burn wisely. Secure a permit, 24 hours a day.

It's fast and easy at GaTrees.org or
1.877.OK2-BURN.

P. O. Box 819 Macon, GA 31202 1-800-GA-TREES GaTrees.org
The Georgia Forestry Commission provides leadership, service and education in the protection and conservation of Georgia's forest resources. Healthy, sustainable forests provide clean air, clean water and abundant products for future generations.
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www.cnpp.usda.gov/NondiscriminationStatement.htm

Debris Burning
Safe Practices

GaTrees.org Get a burn permit. GaTrees.org Get a burn permit. GaTrees.org Get a burn permit. GaTrees.org Get a burn permit.

Permits

Hand-piled vegetation permit for most outdoor burning purposes r Available online at GaTrees.org r 24-hour service r Easy to use system r Issued for natural, hand-piled
vegetation, to manage: w leaf and limb piles w grass and shrub clippings w vegetative disposal from storm damage w weed abatement w disease/pest prevention

Machine-piled debris/acreage burn permits - for bigger jobs r Issued by your local GFC Unit;
visit GaTrees.org for contact information r Used only for burning of agricultural, silvicultural and land clearing operations

Safety

r Get a burn permit before you start r Tools needed
w Rake w Water hose w Shovel r Wear proper clothing w Long pants w Long sleeves w Sturdy boots w Gloves w Safety glasses r Clear 25-foot or more area around debris pile r Never use flammable liquids to start fire r Start fire downwind of your pile r Never leave fire unattended r Ensure fire is completely extinguished and pile is cool to the touch

Smoke

From May through September, state air quality regulations pro-hibit outdoor burning in 54 counties, mostly in north Georgia. Check GaTrees.org for full details.

When burning is allowed, your smoke is your responsibility. To minimize smoke: r Burn smaller piles - they produce
less smoke r Burn dry piles - wet piles produce
more smoke r Burn on clear days - smoke stag-
nates on cloudy, overcast days r Burn with a little wind - this helps
disperse smoke r Avoid dirt in your piles - dirt holds
moisture which produces smoke r Avoid early-morning and night
burning - smoke lingers during these times r Be a good neighbor - inform your neighbors of burn plans and if smoke becomes a problem, put your fire out

GaTrees.org Get a burn permit. GaTrees.org Get a burn permit. GaTrees.org Get a burn permit. GaTrees.org Get a burn permit. GaTrees.org Get a burn permit. GaTrees.org Get a burn permit.