The Roswell Fire Department says residents should use extreme caution with outdoor fires, and warns that if the current drought persists or worsens — “or if we experience incidents related to the use of fire pits or any other type of outdoor fire” — Roswell may follow the lead of other North Fulton cities and consider a total burn ban.

"City ordinance allows the Fire Marshal to prohibit all outdoor burning, including fires in fire pits and portable fireplaces," the department says.

Recreational and cooking fires currently are permitted, but weather conditions make it “highly dangerous” for any outdoor fire. If you must burn outdoors, the department says, clear the area of leaves, dry brush and dead landscaping materials; have a garden hose ready; don’t overload the fire pit, and be sure the fire is completely extinguished before leaving the area