GFC changes the limits for issuance of burn permits

The Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) announced recently that it has enhanced its burn permit system.

"Georgia's historic drought is impacting residents' lifestyles and practices, especially those in the northern half of the state," said Beth Richards, chief ranger for the Lincoln- Taliaferro-Wilkes Office of the GFC. "As the state agency responsible for the stewardship of forest resources and the protection of people and property from the dangers of wildfire, the Georgia Forestry Commission manages the issuance of burn permits. Concerns for water conservation and fire safety, along with the seasonal need for site preparation and landclearing burns, have prompted our agency to make changes to the burn permit system."

The chief ranger indicated that in the Level 4 drought area, which includes Lincoln County, burning will only be permitted when wind speeds are below 12 mph or the relative humidity is above 30 percent. Before calling the GFC office for a permit, those who need to conduct outdoor burning should check the commission's website at www.gatrees.org for the current weather report.

Then, if conditions warrant, a burn permit can be secured by calling 1- 877-OK-2-BURN or by contacting the local GFC office at 706-678-2910.

According to Richards, "The Georgia Forestry Commission retains the authority to approve or deny all burn permit requests that fall outside of these limitations, based on the judgment of local forest rangers. These restrictions will guard against wildfires as well as conserve the amount of water used to control fires."

She added that GFC rangers draw water from ponds and streams whenever possible instead of using water from municipal sources.

In closing, the chief ranger said, "Some counties have instituted complete burn bans, and the Georgia Forestry Commission honors those decisions. The safety of every Georgian and the protection of our natural resources are critical to us all. Together we can successfully manage these extraordinary conditions."

The restrictions governing outdoor burning will remain in effect until the Level 4 drought designation has been lifted. Illegal burning without a perspread mit is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or a year in confinement.

For more information on the Level 4 drought area, visit http// caes.uga.edu/topics/disasters/ drought to view maps under the "Statewide Water Use" section.

A few tips for safe outdoor burning are as follows:

.. Before doing any burning, establish wide control lines around brush piles and other piled debris to be burned. The larger the debris pile, the wider the control line that is needed to ensure that burning materials will not be blown or roll off of the pile into vegetation outside the line.

.. Stay with all outdoor fires until they are completely out.

.. Keep water and tools ready in case the fire should attempt to spread.