Citing drought, Milton issues outdoor fire ban

The Milton fire marshal has issued a fire ban even as the state fire marshal has lifted the state restrictions on outdoor burning.

Citing dry conditions and low water supplies, Milton Fire Marshal Melissa Henderson issued a citywide outdoor burn ban, effectively immediately. The ban prohibits all outdoor burning, including open campfires and fires built for the burning of debris.

“It’s important to remember that we’re still experiencing a drought, which brings increased fire hazards,” Henderson said in a prepared statement. “I encourage every citizen to abide by this ban in an effort to prevent unnecessary water usage and fire hazards.”

The state prohibition is typically lifted in the fall when skies clear, but cities and counties can impose their own bans depending on local conditions, said said Kent Frantz, National Weather Service hydrologist in Peachtree City.

The Milton ban makes allowances for fire department training, outdoor cooking by restaurants and fairs and festivals as there are means to put out a fire. It also allows the use of liquid-fueled gas fire stoves, grills, or lanterns.

At Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, only .75 inches has fallen in the past 30 days,

“Seen extreme drought for a lot of the months of this year,” Frantz said. “We were starting to show improvement this year, but gone back to being dry. October and November tend to be our driest months. Things on the ground like pine needles and leaves are very dry.”

Over the past 365 days, the airport has recorded 39.16 inches of rain, compared with the normal 50. Lake Lanier’s water levels are 17 feet below full pool, he said.

To report burning violations, call the non-emergency number to Alpharetta/Milton Dispatch at 678-297-6300. For additional information, call Henderson at 404-242-2500.