Drought extends ban on outdoor burning in Forsyth

Outdoor burning permits in Forsyth County will not be granted “for the foreseeable future” because of continuing drought conditions in North Georgia, county officials said. The burn ban includes leaves, trash, yard debris and storm damage.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division’s annual summer ban on outdoor burning ended Sept. 30, but the drought has prompted the Georgia Forestry Commission to announce burn permits will not be issued in Forsyth and other counties in its Coosa South District.

“The GFC cited the current drought conditions, ongoing fire activity and forecast models showing no significant moisture as the reasons for not allowing outdoor burning,” Forsyth officials said in a news release. “A timeline for the burning restrictions has not been determined and will depend on weather conditions.”