Burn permits issued by the Georgia Forestry Commission are also required for any outdoor burning in the state to help prevent wildfires.
Drought conditions are worsening, affecting more than 11 million people and threatening crops across a five-state area. Georgia residents should postpone open burning if conditions are not favorable, Forestry Commission Chief of Protection Frank Sorrells said in a statement.
“There’s a five-step fire danger system used nationally, and right now Georgia is in the four and five categories, indicating very high fire danger,” Sorrells said.
Wildfire activity is on the rise statewide. Over the past three months, Georgia Forestry Commission wildland firefighters have responded to 41 percent more fires than its previous five-year average. The GFC recommends those who burn keep tools on hand such as water, a shovel and a cell phone.