The lesson: just because you can do something, doesn't always mean you should.

A Gwinnett County man learned the hard way how quickly fire can spread Saturday afternoon. While attempting to burn off his Bermuda grass for a greener spring lawn, he accidentally caught several neighbors' yards on fire, according to Capt. Tommy Rutledge.

The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. on Birnamwood Drive and Hexham Court in Suwanee, Rutledge said. The man's home sustained cosmetic damage, but no other structure was damaged, he said. No one was injured.

Saturday was designated as a "burn day" for the county, meaning permits are not required. But steady winds helped the fire spread to four nearby yards, Rutledge said.

"Even if the day is designated as a ‘burn day,' property owners should evaluate wind conditions both before and during the burn," Rutledge said.

No charges are expected.

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Braves first baseman Matt Olson (left) is greeted by Ronald Acuña Jr. after batting during the MLB Home Run Derby as part of the All-Star Game festivities on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

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