Milton Issues Temporary Lift of Outdoor Burn Ban

publication date: Jan 21, 2008

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author/source: Roswell Beacon

The city of Milton has issued a temporary lifting of its city-wide outdoor burn ban that went into effect in October 2007. The lifting, issued by Milton Fire Marshall Chad McGiboney, is effective immediately, and allows residents to conduct outdoor burning under specific guidelines. The city's ban on outdoor watering is still in effect, and is not included in this temporary lifting.

"Recent rains have brought some relief to the dry conditions in our area, prompting us to give temporary relief to our citizens by lifting the burn ban," McGiboney said. "If the current conditions change, however, the burn ban may need to be reinstated. We encourage residents to use extreme caution and to follow the City's guidelines when conducting outdoor burning."

Despite the recent rainfall, Georgia's drought conditions still continue. The city urges residents to continue implementing water conservation measures and to curb non-essential water use.

Citizens who conduct outdoor burning must strictly adhere to the following guidelines:

• The burn pile shall be constantly attended and shall have a water source that will reach the burn pile (such as a garden hose, fire extinguisher or both).
• Burning shall be during daylight hours only, must be completely extinguished before dusk.
• Burning shall be of natural fallen vegetation, such as limbs, leaves, twigs, etc. from your own property. Do not burn any building materials, furniture, plastic, clothing, any rubber or tires, household garbage, boxes, etc.
• The burning pile shall be at least 50 feet from any structure and 50 feet from all property lines.
• Burn pile(s) shall be small piles; maximum size is 3 feet by 3 feet.
• A competent adult must be present at all times during burning.
• No burning will be allowed on windy days (10 mph or higher) or on days when atmospheric conditions (cloudy, overcast or raining) would cause the smoke to remain low to the ground. Burn only on clear days with no clouds.
• Fires shall not be started by petroleum based products.

Please note that the Fire Marshal and the personnel assigned to the Milton Department of Public Safety shall have the authority to extinguish any open burning which is in violation of the above mentioned guidelines, or the fire imposes an immediate threat to life and property, or they deem the burning offensive to others or it poses a health risk to people in the area.

The Fire Marshal would also like to remind residents of Milton that from May 1 - September 30, every year, there is a complete burn ban in effect.

If you have any questions, or wish to get information on bonfires, please contact the Fire Marshal at 678-242-2570.