The CSRA is having an abnormally dry April. Due to those dry conditions, a burn ban will go into effect for much of the state of Georgia this weekend. The Augusta Fire Department is partnering with the Georgia Forestry Commission to make sure people know exactly what those rules entail. The ban covers 54 counties, including Richmond and Columbia Counties, and bans burning of yard clippings or any other material. Contained campfires are still allowed for now. Burning trash in Georgia is illegal year round. The number of wildfires in Richmond County during the yearly burn ban decreased from 301 in 2019 to 175 in 2020. The Augusta Fire Department Fire Marshall says that’s because they were able to get the word out about the ban.