Outdoor Burn Ban Lifted

As of today, Oct. 1, outdoor burning is permitted again in Oconee County.

Outdoor debris such as lawn clippings, leaves and branches can be burned in small quantities. However, residents are required to obtain a burn permit from the Georgia Forestry Commission before burning any debris, and all fires must be out before dark.

"Georgia's annual burn ban for north Georgia counties will be lifted on October 1," Alan Dozier, chief of protection for the Georgia Forestry Commission, said in a news release. "Because escaped burning is our number one cause of wildfire, residents throughout the state are required to get a burn permit before lighting outdoor debris piles."

When weather conditions are favorable, burn permits for natural, hand-piled vegetation can be obtained at www.GaTrees.org, the Georgia Forestry Commission's website. 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 granted after dark are valid the following day, and permits are also issued by phone at 1-877-OK-2-BURN.

"The leaves are already falling and a lot of people have yard waste to burn," Dozier said in the release, "but more than ever, safety has got to be our top concern this fall."

As most of Georgia is in a severe drought, permits will be contingent upon the latest weather conditions.

Residents should also keep necessary equipment on hand while burning to help contain the fire. This includes a shovel, water and a cell phone to immediately call 911 if the fire gets out of control. 

It is unlawful to burn man-made materials such as tires, shingles, plastics, lumber and household garbage.