Macon-Bibb burn ban ends, but daily permits are still required

Permits are valid for one day and only cover natural vegetation such as leaves, sticks and limbs. Burning trash and other manmade materials is prohibited.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Macon-Bibb County firefighters are reminding residents to get a daily burn permit and follow safety rules before burning leaves and yard debris now that the annual burn ban has ended.

The Macon-Bibb County Fire Department is using a safety demonstration to remind residents what they need to know before lighting a fire.

Jeremy Webb with the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department is demonstrating how quickly a fire can get out of control.

He says anyone planning to burn outdoors must first obtain a daily burn permit. Webb also warns that burning garbage, trash, plastic and paper is prohibited by law.

“It’s only good for that day only, so if you’re planning on burning for three days straight, you can’t,” he said. “You have to have a burn permit for each day, because weather conditions may change for that next day. Once you maintain that burn permit, it’s only for yard debris and natural vegetation. So, sticks, limbs, leaves, things of that nature. No manmade materials; such as tires, shingles, building materials, no furniture, boxes, anything of that nature.”

Webb adds weather conditions can also determine if outdoor burning is safe, with wind speed, humidity and drought levels all playing a role.

“If it’s cloudy or overcast, any wind over 10 mph, you can’t burn,” he said. “These piles must be contained, must be a water supply outside, and you must not leave these piles unattended.”

Firefighters say the annual burn ban will return next year on May 1.