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Georgia burn ban lifts in less than a month

The Georgia Forestry Commission reminds people to follow all rules, regulations and exceptions for the burn ban in each of the 54 counties

The last day of summer is creeping up and that's not the only thing ending this month.

The Georgia burn ban that's suppose to help with clean air ends in just a few weeks.

The burn ban started in May and ends on September 30.

One Twiggs County farmer says the ban has its pros and cons.

Farmer Joseph Albert is playing the waiting game to burn all of the trees and limbs piled up at his farm.

"If I could burn it when I pile it, like I said, it just moves the process a lot faster," said Albert.

The Environmental Protection Division says 54 counties are under the burn ban during the summer to help control the amount of smoke and pollutants the air.

"I've got all my stuff piled up, and I'm at a standstill, and I can't do anymore until I burn this," said Albert.

Wendy Burnett with the Georgia Forestry Commission says there are some exceptions to the rule.

Burnett says you can burn for agriculture or recreation.

For example, a barbeque or clearing wheat for crops falls under an exception.

"We are almost at the end of the burn ban where you can legally burn with a permit. If you get caught burning without a permit, we're going to issue an unlawful burn notice," said Burnett.

That, along with safety, is why Albert says he's waiting.

"You could inadvertently start a fire and burn your neighbors property by accident, and we don't want to do that," said Albert.

Albert says he has about five piles of vegetation on his farm, and he's ready to start on his other projects.

"October 1 I will be out here, and I will light this thing up, but not until then," said Albert.

Scott Henson with the Environmental Protection Division says he's heard of fines reaching up to $25,000, if there is enough damage.

To find out the exact guidelines for your county, call the division at 478-751-6612.

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