Outdoor Burn Ban in Effect Until Sept. 30

Gwinnett County residents are reminded that the Georgia Environmental Protection Division's annual ban on outdoor burning is now in effect. 

The annual ban, which runs from May 1 through Sept. 30, is put into effect due to health concerns associated with pollutants created by outdoor burning — the smoke can negatively impact air quality during hot summer months by contributing to high ozone levels.  

"These restrictions are required by the state Environmental Protection Division so that fewer chemicals and particle pollutants are released into the air," Georgia Forestry Commission Chief of Forest Protection Frank Sorrells said in a news release. "The risk of wildfire is also high at this time, and the Georgia Forestry Commission will be closely monitoring fire  activity to keep Georgians and their property safe."

The open burn ban prohibits residents and businesses from burning yard debris or land clearing debris.