Outdoor burning period begins in Cobb; restrictions apply

Outdoor burning is allowed in Cobb County from Oct. 1 to April 30, enabling citizens to burn limited yard debris such as leaves, pine straw, and small limbs from growth on their property.

However, there are some restrictions, as explained by the Cobb Fire and Emergency Services Department:

• Burning is allowed between the hours of 10 a.m. and one hour before sunset (no smoldering or hot coals remaining). Yard waste fires must be completely extinguished one hour prior to sunset.
• No burning is allowed on windy days (10 mph or higher) or on days when the atmospheric conditions (cloudy, overcast, or raining) would cause the smoke to remain low to the ground.
• Burning must be attended by an adult who must be watching the fire at all times. Never leave a fire unattended.
• A water hose long enough to reach the fire must be on hand and ready for use.
• Fires may not be started with petroleum-based products.
• Only clean wood may be burned. Clean wood means natural wood which has not been painted, varnished, or coated with a similar material; has not been pressure treated with preservatives; and does not contain resins or glues as in plywood or other composite wood products.
• Yard waste (small) fire must be at least 50 feet from all structures, including fences of combustible material, limbs no larger than 6” diameter, pile no greater than 6’ x 6’, at least 25’ from roads with speed limits greater than 35 mph.
• Yard waste fires larger than 6’x6’ require a Yard Waste (large) permit.
• Burning in a barrel is prohibited.
• Burning of garbage is prohibited. Garbage is any waste material that includes but is not limited to plastic products, Styrofoam, fiberglass, recycling wire (burned to access metal), tires, clothing, furniture, mattresses, boxes, papers, stumps, root balls, and kudzu vines.
• Any yard debris that is moved from one property to another cannot be burned. For information regarding alternative methods to dispose of yard waste, contact the Georgia Environmental Protection Division at (404) 362-2537.
• Even if all guidelines for burning are followed, you may be required to extinguish the fire if it adversely interferes with another’s enjoyment of life, use of property, or if someone with a health problem is affected.

The Cobb Fire Marshal’s Office has prepared a complete guide to outdoor burning that can be found by clicking here and here.

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• Cobb Fire Station 21 crew, 911 operator earn Lifesaver awards

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