Outdoor burning rules in DeKalb County, GA — also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance — set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.
Outdoor burning in unincorporated DeKalb County is strictly regulated. All open burning is prohibited except cooking fires (in outdoor fireplaces/fire bowls) and pre-approved bonfires. Leaf/yard waste burning is prohibited. Burn permits may be issued by the DeKalb County Fire Marshal (404-371-2776).
DeKalb County prohibits most forms of open burning in unincorporated areas. This includes burning in barrels or metal drums, burning of garbage or rubbish, and burning of leaves or yard waste. Permitted exceptions: (1) cooking fires for immediate food preparation using logs or clean wood in an outdoor fireplace, chimney, fire bowl, or similar device — must be at least 25 feet from any structure, between 10 AM and 10:30 PM, attended by an adult with a charged water hose within 100 feet at all times; (2) bonfires pre-approved by the DeKalb County Fire Marshal. For burn permits: 404-371-2776. GAEPD Rule 391-3-1-.02(5) also applies. DeKalb County is in Georgia's summer burn ban zone (May 1–September 30) and also under a prescribed burning ban for much of the year.
Unlawful open burning may result in fines and enforcement action by DeKalb County Fire and Rescue.
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See how DeKalb County's outdoor burning rules stack up against other locations.
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