Every year, the state of Georgia enforces a burn ban from April 30 until October 1, and Gainesville City Fire officials encourage everyone who wants to start burning again on Thursday to be burn smart.
Division Chief Keith Smith said in a press release that despite the ban being lifted Thursday, anyone who wishes to burn something will still need to get a permit.
Smith said call the Fire Marshal's office to start at 770-534-3612. Then, fire personnel will come inspect your site and issue the permit if the burner has a method of extinguishment, such as a garden hose, and is only burning leaves, grass or small tree limbs 50 feet from any structures or property lines during daylight hours.
The burner must be a competent adult who is at the site at all times, and Smith said common sense must always prevail. Any permitted fires will need to be fully extinguished by nightfall.
Weather is a big factor in issuing burn permits, so days with winds over 10 mph are a no-go. Petroleum products used as accelerants are also not allowed.
