Starting Thursday, Georgia’s summertime burn ban will be in effect in 54 counties across the north and central parts of the state.
The yearly ban, in place since 2005, prohibits the burning of yard and land-clearing debris between May 1 and Sept. 30, according to Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division. Recreational activities, such as campfires and grilling, are still allowed.
“This is not because of fire danger, but it’s to keep the air quality as good as it can possibly be,” Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brian Monahan said.
During the summer, levels of ground-level ozone, the main component of smog, and particulate matter (or soot) peak due to the sun’s heat and trigger smog alerts. The metro area typically sees a few Code Orange days per summer, meaning the air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups, such as those with heart disease or lung disease, such as asthma.
“What happens with (vehicle) exhaust or the burning of yard debris and the particles that get into the atmosphere, they interact with sunlight, especially during the hot months of the year, and that creates ozone,” Monahan said.
The burn ban includes all metro Atlanta counties. North and central counties surrounding the metro area are also included, though the ban makes an exception for prescribed burning in those regions. A map can be found at epd.georgia.gov.
Curbing open burning will be especially important this year, as metro Atlanta’s air quality dropped to an “F” rating for ozone pollution, according to the American Lung Association’s 2025 State of the Air report. That means residents are being exposed to more smog.
“Smoke from open burning can impact both the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, especially in children, elderly people and people with preexisting conditions,” James Boylan, air protection branch chief for the EPD, said in a statement. “When open burning creates smoky conditions, reducing exposure is important for everyone’s health.”
Experts warn that people with respiratory issues, such as older adults and children, should be especially careful to avoid prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors on high-smog days.
So far this year, there’s been a 68% increase in Georgia wildfires compared to the recent five-year average. That’s one more reason to use extra caution around fires.
Credit: Georgia Forestry Commission
Credit: Georgia Forestry Commission
Since January, the state has seen just over 2,000 wildfires, up from the 1,200 average for the same four-month period in the five-year average. Those fires have burned over 16,000 acres already this year, a 140% jump from the five-year average. Blustery winds and dry conditions have provided extra fuel to this year’s wildfire season, with March producing the most fires.
During the burn prohibition, the EPD suggests alternative ways to dispose of debris, such as composting, mulching or chipping. Construction or demolition debris can also be hauled to specific landfills that accept those materials.
Some cities and counties may have more stringent burning restrictions, so check with the fire department for local rules.
Fire safety tips
After the burn ban ends Sept. 30, take the following safety precautions before lighting an outdoor flame:
- The burn location must be no less than 25 feet from any woodlands or fields that contain brush, grass or other flammable materials.
- The fire must be no less than 50 feet from any structures.
- Burning must take place between sunrise and sunset.
- Someone must supervise the fire at all times.
- The supervisor must take all precautions to prevent the fire from spreading.
Source: Georgia Environmental Protection Division
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