Georgia Forestry Commission Urges Prevention in Wake of South Georgia Wildfires

Georgia Forestry Commission crews have successfully contained fires in south Georgia, where tens of thousands of acres have been scorched since early March. Recent rainfall helped firefighters gain the upper hand on the blazes, which had prompted a weekend restriction on outdoor burning throughout the state. Firefighting resources are now being released to their home districts, and the Georgia Forestry Commission is again issuing burn permits when local weather conditions allow.

Burn restrictions were lifted April 1, 2011,  in the GFC Ogeechee District (Wilcox, Pulaski, Bleckley, Laurens, Dodge, Telfair, Wheeler, Treutlen, Montgomery, Emanuel, Toombs, Tattnall, Evans, Candler, Jenkins, Screven, Effingham, Bulloch, Bryan, Liberty, McIntosh, Bryan and Chatham counties), with the exception of Long County, where permits will not be issued until further notice. The GFC Satilla District (Jeff Davis, Appling, Wayne, Glynn, Coffee, Bacon, Pierce, Brantley, Camden, Charlton, Ware, Atkinson, Berrien, Lanier, Clinch, Echols and Lowndes counties) has extended the restriction on permits for outdoor burning at least through Monday, April 4, when conditions will be reevaluated.

Despite the rain's temporary relief, fire authorities say a severe drought is expected to persist this summer, raising the risk of wildfire and posing a threat to property and lives.

"Now is the time to take steps to protect your home from fire," said Troy Floyd, Incident Management Team Commander of the Georgia Forestry Commission. "Getting a burn permit for any outdoor debris burning is an absolute must, but there are actions residents can take around the home to minimize damage from wildfire."

Cleaning flammable materials from a 30-feet barrier around the home is extremely important, according to Floyd.

"Homeowners should break the chain of ignition from the forest to the home," he said. "That includes clearing yard debris and firewood and moving gas tanks. Pine and leaf litter should be removed from roofs, gutters and eaves regularly."

Floyd said water is an obvious tool to have close by, and recommending that hoses with faucets be installed on each side of the home. Other tools comprising an emergency kit include a rake, shovel, bucket, garden hose, axe and a ladder that will reach the roof.

Floyd said summer staples such as barbecue grills and lawnmowers are also possible sources of ignition and should be used carefully, especially in times of drought.

"The number one cause of wildfire is escaped debris burning," said Floyd. "When weather conditions are appropriate, burn permits for hand piled natural vegetation are issued online at GaTrees.org." Permits for machine piled or area burns can be obtained by contacting a local office of the Georgia Forestry Commission, he said.

"Our number one concern is for the protection of people and property from wildfires," said Floyd. "We depend on the cooperation of every Georgian to make that happen."

For more information about fire safety and services of the Georgia Forestry Commission, visit GaTrees.org.

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Burn Ban Lifted as Instant Permitting System is Unveiled

Georgia’s annual ban on outdoor burning ended at midnight on September 30th, clearing the way for residents to use a fast, new burn permitting system provided by the Georgia Forestry Commission. By logging on to GaTrees.org, users statewide can instantly receive a permit to burn hand-piled natural vegetation, when conditions in their communities are safe.

“Fifty-four counties, mostly in north Georgia, will have burn bans lifted that are imposed every year by the state Environmental Protection Division to comply with federal clean air regulations,” said Alan Dozier, Chief of Forest Protection for the Georgia Forestry Commission. “Open burning has been restricted in those areas since May to help manage the summertime surge in unhealthy ozone levels.
Those counties now join the rest of Georgia in having access to a simple new system that makes outdoor burning easier to conduct.”

The new 24-hour burn permitting process allows users to click through a simple online template that swiftly analyzes weather conditions, records user requests, and issues a numbered permit for use that day. Permits issued after dark are valid the following day. Residents who prefer to phone in their requests may still utilize 1-877-OK2-BURN (1-877-652-2876).

“The new automated system saves time for our customers who use the same computer to request permits,” explained Dozier. “The system ‘remembers’ the customer, and pulls up their previously entered data, which speeds the process.” Dozier said communities also benefit from the new system because it provides information about the location of permitted area burns and contact information for those in charge.

Permits are required for burning all natural vegetation that is hand piled, including leaf piles on the premises where they fall, and vegetative debris from storm damage, weed abatement, disease and/or pest prevention. It is unlawful to burn all man-made materials such as tires, shingles, plastic and lumber. Failure to secure a valid burn permit may result in penalties. If an unpermitted fire escapes and causes wildfire, suppression charges will be levied. The average suppression charge is $200.

Dozier noted that with mild to moderate drought conditions spreading across Georgia, extra caution will be necessary for anyone planning to burn outdoors. Fire safety tips and information about Georgia’s forest resource, visit GaTrees.org.

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Georgia's Burn Ban Effective May 1

Georgia’s annual air quality ban on outdoor burning, mostly in the northern half of Georgia, begins on Saturday, May 1, 2010. The annual restrictions will be in place for 54 counties through September 30.
“The Georgia Environmental Protection Division puts this ban in place to comply with Federal Clean Air Regulations,” said Alan Dozier, Chief of Forest Protection for the Georgia Forestry Commission. “Ozone levels increase to unhealthy levels in summer,” he said. “Most types of open burning are restricted during the ban in an effort to manage the summertime surge in ozone levels.”

The following counties are under the 2010 burn ban: Banks, Barrow, Bartow, Bibb, Butts, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Clarke, Clayton, Cobb, Columbia, Coweta, Crawford, Dawson, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Floyd, Forsyth, Fulton, Gordon, Gwinnett, Hall, Haralson, Heard, Henry, Houston, Jackson, Jasper, Jones, Lamar, Lumpkin, Madison, Meriwether, Monroe, Morgan, Newton, Oconee, Paulding, Peach, Pickens, Pike, Polk, Putnam, Richmond, Rockdale, Spalding, Troup, Twiggs, Upson, Walker, and Walton.

The outdoor burning ban is under the jurisdiction of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Environmental Protection Division (EPD), Air Protection Branch.

The Georgia Forestry Commission operates an on-line burn permit system at 1-877-OK2-BURN. The phone system informs callers by county whether or not they can burn. Residents may also call their county GFC office for more information or visit GaTrees.org.

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Extra Caution Needed During Georgia's Fire Season

Breezy, warm spring days are perfect for enjoying the outdoors, but they're perfect, too, for wildfires. To prevent the spread of wildfire, the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) is urging residents to take extra precautions when burning yard debris, using an outdoor grill or enjoying campfires.

"Half of all the wildfires in Georgia every year happen between January and April," said Greg Strenkowski, GFC Staff Forester. "The number one cause of wildfire is escaped debris burning, so we want to make sure everybody remembers what's necessary to burn safely."

Evaluating the weather is an important first step before lighting a match outdoors, according to Strenkowski. Wind carries sparks, and Georgia's largest and most damaging wildfires have been recorded on windy April days. In April of 2007, Georgia experienced its largest wildfire in history, burning some 560,000 acres and causing millions of dollars in damage.

"Always get a burn permit before you burn," said Strenkowski. "They're really easy to obtain. Just call 1-877-OK2-BURN, or log onto GaTrees.org. If weather conditions are good, your permit will be given within minutes." While permits aren't needed for grills or campfires in designated areas, extra caution should always be exercised around their use.

Strenkowski said mid-morning to early afternoon are the best times to burn, and he recommends a little preparatory work before fires are started. Neighbors should be notified in advance about the fire's possible smoke. Be sure to wear proper work clothes, including long pants, long sleeves, work gloves and boots while preparing your burn pile. A 25-foot barrier should be raked around the pile, and emergency equipment such as a water hose and hand tools should be close by. Avoid having dirt or moist debris in the pile; both hold in moisture and cause excess smoke.

Strenkowski went on to advise that dead grass, leaves and straw should be cleared from nearby decks and roof tops, as buildings and vehicles can easily ignite if flames spread onto them. In addition, if utility poles are located on your property, their bases should always be cleared of flammable debris to prevent fire damage and possible injury.

"Don't be tempted to use gasoline or lighter fluid on your outdoor fire because they can be dangerous," advised Strenkowski. "And make sure the fire is completely out before you leave it unattended. The burn area should be cool to the touch before a fire is considered finished."

For more information on safe burning practices and Georgia's forest industry, visit GaTrees.org.

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