GA Forestry Commission Tight on Issuing Fire Permits

The Georgia Forestry Commission is holding back on issuing fire permits. The commission lifted a statewide fire ban on the first of the month, but dry weather and extreme drought conditions throughout Middle Georgia created tighter restrictions when it comes to issuing permits for residents to burn leaves, branches, and other debris.

“People are in such a rush to get things burned. We want you to take your time. We’re going to have to be stricter this year on the permits,” says Jenny Brunner, Chief Ranger.

The Georgia Department of Forestry says the fire ban ended even though 75% of the state is still in an extreme drought.

“We need a lot of patience right now. The burn ban is ending, but we’re still  in a drought so we’re going to have to be kind of stingy with our permits until it rains a little bit,” says Allen Dozier, Chief of Forest Protection.