A severe drought has resulted in wildfires in South Georgia and has caused haze in some areas of metro Atlanta.
Those conditions prompted the Cobb Fire Marshal on Wednesday to issue an outdoor burning ban “until further notice.”
Cobb Fire and Emergency Services referenced a county ordinance that authorizes the fire marshal “to ban any or all forms of outdoor burning when atmospheric or local conditions make outdoor fires hazardous.
“All outdoor burning is prohibited during this time to help reduce fire risk and to protect our community. We appreciate your cooperation in helping keep Cobb County safe.”
The ban comes a week before the statewide outdoor burning ban that takes place each year from May 1-Sept. 30. During that period, “you may burn limited yard debris such as leaves, pine straw, and small limbs from growth on your property.”
Here are the restrictions for outdoor burning.
The lack of rain has caused wildfires in southern Georgia, which has been under a general burn ban. More than 16,000 acres of have burned and Gov. Brian Kemp issued a state of emergency for that part of the state.
Almost all of Georgia has been experiencing drought in the spring. Rain is in the forecast for Cobb County early next week, as dry, low-humidity weather continues.
State officials predict they’ll be able to contain the south Georgia wildfires by the end of May.
Related:
- Woman seriously injured in Brumby ES pedestrian crash
- Man dies in Powers Ferry-Terrell Mill single-car crash
- Motorcyclist killed in Ebenezer Road crash
- Cobb Police officer helps save newborn in roadside delivery
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