Community Corner
Georgia Forestry Commission Lifts Outdoor Burn Ban
Oconee County residents may obtain burn permits through the Georgia Forestry Commission's website or by calling 1-877-OK2-BURN.
The annual burn ban in 54 northern Georgia counties, including Oconee, was lifted Monday, just in time for the backyard leaf pile.
"Georgians who want to burn outdoor debris piles must always get a burn permit," said Frank Sorrells, Chief of Protection for the Georgia Forestry Commission, in a released statement. "They're easy to secure online when local weather conditions are favorable."
The Georgia Forestry Commission's web address is GaTrees.org.Β With a few clicks, Oconee residents can find out about local weather conditions for burning and receive a permit number that is good for the day it is issued. Permits may also be obtained by phone at 1-877-OK2-BURN.
Find out what's happening in Oconeewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"As always, we're asking anyone who gets a permit to be extremely careful about burning debris," said Sorrells in the news release. "Escaped burning is Georgia's number one cause of wildfire."
Safety gear to have on hand before lighting a fire includes a shovel, hose, and a cell phone to call 9-1-1 if needed. Only natural, hand-piled vegetation may be burned; it is unlawful to burn man-made materials such as tires, shingles and plastics. Residents seeking permission to burn larger areas or agricultural burns should contact their local Georgia Forestry Commission office.
Find out what's happening in Oconeewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
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