By CARL LOWELL Chief Ranger

Georgia Forestry Commission

Crisp • Dooly • Macon Unit

SPECIAL TO THE DISPATCH

Each year around this time, smoke is a common sight in Georgia. Starting in December and going through March, is Georgia’s best time of year to conduct controlled burns.

Burns ranging from the homeowner burning yard debris to farmers burning agriculture fields in preparation for spring planting to forest landowners burning large tracts of timber are a frequent sight in the state. Any burn in Georgia must meet certain criteria.

First of all, anyone wishing to burn must contact their local Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) office to obtain a burn permit, this is a state law. Permits are issued on a daily basis and depend on specific weather conditions, drought levels and fire danger.

The landowner is also responsible for maintaining control and taking measures for keeping his/her fire under control (firebreaks). Safety should be everyone’s main priority when burning. Don’t attempt to burn during dry conditions or when high winds or low humidities are predicted.

There are several ways to obtain a permit. You can call the local county Forestry Office or go online to the GFC public website at www.gatrees.org.

For small burns such as yard debris, you can call our automated permit system at 1-877-652-2876 (1-877-OK2-BURN) or go online.

For large burns, you must call the local Forestry office. The GFC public website also has weather forecast information to help determine if it will be a good day to conduct your burn, along with lots of valuable information about the GFC.

For any questions, please contact our local offices. These numbers can be called to report wildfires, too.

For Crisp County, call 229-273-3576.

For Dooly County, call 229-268-4466.