Burn Ban in Effect

Clarkesville Fire would like to inform citizens that reside inside the City Limits of Clarkesville that a ban on outdoor burning will begin on May 1st. This is in accordance with the City Ordinance on Outdoor Burning. Issuance of Burn Permits will resume on October 1st.

It is a fair question to inquire as to the reasoning behind this decision and its placement in the Ordinance. Fire Chief Jerry Palmer cites the following reasons as to the Summer Burn Ban:
During the summer months, the ozone in the air we breathe can reach unhealthy levels. Ozone is formed when volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides coming from manmade and natural sources react in the presence of sunlight. A major source of these pollutants is the burning of fuels and other combustible materials. The Georgia EPD has identified open burning as a significant contributor of the pollutants that form ozone. Therefore, open burning in metro Atlanta and the surrounding areas must be restricted during the summer months. Although Clarkesville is not included in the Metro Atlanta Corridor Burn Ban, the City prides itself in being environmentally conscious whenever possible. That being said, the City of Clarkesville and the Fire Department have chosen to take a proactive stance and voluntarily participate in the Summer Burn Ban in order to help protect the air quality in this area. The burn ban coincides with the Ozone Forecasting Season which runs from May 1 - September 30 each year.

Clarkesville Fire would like to thank the residents of Clarkesville for their cooperation during the open burning period this year. Many burn permits were issued with few problems noted. If anyone has any further questions they should call Clarkesville Fire at (706) 754-2024.