Burn ban ends Oct. 1

The Georgia Forestry Commission announced recently that as of Sept. 30 the EPD’s summer burn restrictions will expire and the GFC will once again begin issuing burning permits beginning Oct. 1. To obtain a permit for yard debris and leaf piles go to the GFC website at gatrees.org and click on Burn Permits and follow the instructions. Citizens still may also call the automated permit system at 1-877-652-2876.’It is a very big help to us for citizens burning yard debris to obtain their permit from our website,’ said Chief Ranger Jeff Kenerly. ‘The website also provides burning and fire weather information to citizens obtaining a permit.’ For land clearing or acreage burns, citizens must call the local GFC office. ’Citizens need to remember that smoke can be a very big problem,’ said Kenerly. ‘Wind direction and smoke dispersion should be considered before burning.’ The numbers for the Pike, Spalding, Upson and Clayton offices are 770-227-5522, 770-229-3005 or 706-646-6011.