Georgia Wildfire Protection and Forestry Commission Authority

Under O.C.G.A. 12-6-80 through 12-6-92, the Georgia Forestry Commission protects all forested lands in Georgia from wildfire. The State Forester may issue statewide or regional outdoor burning suspensions during drought or extreme fire weather. Property owners are liable under O.C.G.A. 12-6-89 for fire suppression costs if their negligence caused a wildfire. Unlike some western states, Georgia does not designate formal Wildland-Urban Interface zones with mandatory defensible space, though counties may adopt such rules. Burning during a declared suspension is a misdemeanor.

Negligent ignition of a wildfire creates strict liability for suppression costs under O.C.G.A. 12-6-89, plus misdemeanor penalties up to $1,000 and civil damages to affected property owners.