As the swelter of summer looms, Georgia is clamping down on fire hazards with an annual "burn ban" that blankets Milton and spreads through 54 total counties from May 1 to September 30, in an assertive move to cut down on wildfire threats and secure cleaner air for its residents.
The prohibition, which recurs as the mercury climbs and the greenery withers, is poised to keep the flames at bay and fortify the quality of breath our environment bestows, "The 'burn ban' is a valuable tool used in Georgia to protect our property as well as help keep the air around us more breathable," as per the clarion call of Milton's Deputy Fire Marshal Alex Fortner, and while the populace resolutely stands behind these measures; there exists a year-round de facto ban in areas not marked AG-1, throttling open burns aside from those for recreational sizzle and culinary zest, as per the City of Milton press relase.
The caveat that comes with the calendar's turn to May touches each resident tending AG-1 lots, wherein open burning meets a seasonal end — unless, that is, you fall under the rare exemptions such as burns deemed "a necessary beat in the rhythm of our agricultural cadence," in the language of the law, or if you're setting agricultural waste ablaze on expanses of 5 acres up, according to Milton officials.
However, exceptions dry up and safety takes the wheel when wildfire risks soar signaled by a "Fire Danger Rating" scaling 3 or higher, the Georgia Forestry Commission's daily online posting on this subject matter serving as the judicial torch, but even permissible burning must show restraint, never clouding the air with a smoke dark enough that breaches an opacity over 40%, such selfish acts shrouded in concern for the public's health or welfare.
Milton residents left pondering the fine print of open burning regulations, or seeking further enlightenment, may reach out directly to the Fire Marshal's office with their queries and uncertainties, by dialing 678-242-2541 or marshalling a digital missive to [email protected] for a prompt response.
