Georgia Outdoor Burning Law: Statewide Fire Regulations Rules (2026)

Key Facts

Permit Authority: Georgia Forestry Commission
Summer Ban: May 1 to September 30
Banned Counties: 54 metro Atlanta counties
Statute: O.C.G.A. 12-6-90

Full Breakdown

Under O.C.G.A. 12-6-90 and Georgia EPD Rule 391-3-1-.02(5), outdoor burning is regulated statewide. The Georgia Forestry Commission requires permits for hand-piled vegetation burns, obtainable free at GaTrees.org or by calling 1-877-OK-2-BURN. From May 1 through September 30, the state EPD prohibits open burning in 54 metro Atlanta-area counties to reduce ground-level ozone. Year-round prohibitions apply to burning trash, lumber, tires, plastics, and construction debris anywhere in Georgia.

Violations & Penalties

Burning without a permit or during prohibited periods carries fines up to $25,000 per day under O.C.G.A. 12-6-92 and EPD enforcement, plus liability for fire suppression costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit in Georgia?

Recreational fires under 3 feet diameter for cooking or warmth typically do not require a GFC permit, but local ordinances may apply and EPD summer ban counties still restrict open burning.

Can I burn yard debris in Georgia?

Yes, hand-piled natural vegetation may be burned with a free GFC permit outside the May-September ban period, but trash, lumber, and treated wood are prohibited year-round.

Georgia Outdoor Burning Permit and Seasonal Ban Rules

Key Facts

Full Breakdown

Violations & Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

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