Debris Burning
Debris Burning, Safe Practices brochure - English Spanish
Debris burning is Georgia’s #1 cause of wildfire. It accounts for over 50% of all wildfires in Georgia. Debris burning is categorized into different types: Yard Leaf Piles, Agricultural, Forestry Site Preparation, Construction Land Clearing, and escaped Prescribed Burning. Burning yard leaf piles is the most common cause of wildfire.
The Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) has a wildfire prevention initiative to reach debris burners and educate them on proper debris burning techniques.
All debris burning requires a burn permit with the exception of agricultural fields or pastures which requires notification. The burning of household garbage is prohibited and not permitted by the Georgia Forestry Commission. A major cause of debris burn wildfires is not obtaining a permit and burning with improper weather conditions.
Permits are obtained by calling your local GFC County office or online.
Arson
Arson is Georgia’s #2 cause of wildfires.
To combat Georgia's arson problem and enforce Georgia's forestry burn permit laws, Georgia Forestry Commission employs law enforcement investigators.
Suspected arson caused wildfires are investigated in Georgia. The public is encouraged to participate by coming forward with any information that may help in prosecuting arsonists. At times, reward money is available if a suspected arsonist is convicted.
If anyone has information concerning woods arson please call a GFC office or 1-800-GA-TREES or Georgia Arson Control, Inc.
