CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. — Counties in metro Atlanta and across north and central Georgia have issued burn bans as wildfires spread further south and drought conditions increase the chance of fires.
A state of emergency declaration was issued by the state Wednesday for 91 counties.
CHEROKEE COUNTY
The Cherokee County Fire Marshal issued a countywide burn ban due to ongoing drought conditions.
The ban comes as Georgia remains in a state of emergency due to wildfires raging across south Georgia and no chance of rain in sight.
According to a release by the county, the burn ban is immediately in effect and applies to all outdoor burning in unincorporated Cherokee County as well as all cities.
“Cherokee County is currently classified under a Severe Drought designation, creating an elevated risk for rapidly spreading outdoor fires,” officials said. “These dry conditions, combined with low humidity and limited recent rainfall, have significantly increased the potential for outdoor fire activity throughout the county.”
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Burning of yard debris, land clearing and other open flames that could ignite surrounding vegetation is banned until further notice.
The ban is due to the compounded risk of drought and local wildfire response efforts deploying to assist in other parts of the state where wildfires are active.
“This reduction in available regional support limits the ability to quickly contain and control fires should they occur,” the Cherokee County Fire Department said.
Residents are urged to take precautions to prevent accidental fires or activities that could produce sparks. The fire department also said residents should make sure to properly dispose of smoking materials and remain vigilant in reporting any signs of smoke or fire they see to 911.
Burn ban violations may lead to fine or other enforcement actions.
BARTOW COUNTY
Bartow County Fire and Emergency Services issued an immediate countywide burn ban.
It applies to all outdoor burning in unincorporated Bartow County and the cities of Adairsville, Emerson, Euharlee, Kingston, Taylorsville and White.
Drought conditions including dry conditions, low humidity, and limited recent rainfall have increased the potential for outdoor fire activity throughout the county. Compounding the risk, many resources from the Georgia Forestry Commission have been deployed to other parts of the state to assist with active wildfires.
The ban includes, but is not limited to, the burning of yard debris, land clearing, and other open flames that could ignite surrounding vegetation.
It will remain in place through April 30, at which time the annual summer burn ban will take effect on May 1.
Bartow County Fire and Emergency Services urge all residents to take precautions to prevent accidental fires.
Residents are encouraged to avoid activities that could produce sparks, properly dispose of smoking materials, and remain vigilant in reporting any signs of smoke or fire to 911.
Violations of the burn ban may result in further enforcement actions. Bartow County Fire and Emergency Services will continue to monitor conditions closely and provide updates as circumstances change.
HENRY COUNTY
Due to the increased fire danger caused by large, active wildfires currently burning in South Georgia, Henry County Fire Rescue, through the Office of the Fire Marshal and Fire Prevention Bureau, issued a mandatory burn ban effective immediately for all of Henry County.
No outdoor burning is allowed, including fire pits, bonfires, burning of yard debris, outdoor fireplaces, charcoal grills, and open flame cooking of any kind.
Current conditions, including dry weather and shifting winds, create an environment where fires can ignite easily and spread rapidly. Even small, controlled fires can quickly become dangerous under these circumstances.
Fire officials urge all residents to take the ban seriously and follow all burn ban restrictions. These measures are necessary to reduce the risk of additional fires and to protect lives, property, and emergency responders.
This burn ban will remain in effect until conditions improve and it is deemed safe to resume outdoor burning. As a reminder, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division seasonal burn ban goes into effect on May 1 and remains in effect through September 30 each year.
TROUP COUNTY
A ban on all outdoor burning has been put in place in Troup County effective immediately.
Hazardous wildfire conditions exist in Troup County and surrounding areas, officials said.
Low humidity and gusty winds exacerbate drought conditions, creating hazardous circumstances and enhanced fire risks in Troup County. Also, Georgia Forestry Commission units that typically support Troup County Fire Department’s efforts have been deployed to other regions of the state, reducing resources available to combat wildfires locally.
Those conditions have led the Troup County Fire Marshal, in cooperation and consultation with Troup County Management and the Troup County Director of Public Safety, to issue a complete ban on all outdoor burning. It is in effect through May 1.
This burn ban applies to unincorporated Troup County and the City of Hogansville.
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