Burn ban relaxed Oct. 1.

Milton Fire Marshal Dr. Matthew Marietta would like to remind the community the state’s “burn ban” will be relaxed Monday, Oct. 1. According to Marietta, through April 30, outdoor burning of small piles of residential debris may be allowed depending on the fire danger rating for the day. That rating is dependent on factors such as the wind and humidity levels for the day. You can call the Milton Fire Department at 678-242-2570 during regular business hours to check if safe burning is permitted or refer to the fire safety rating at the Georgia Forestry Commission Web site. Please note that all fires must be out at dark. Additionally, you can refer to commercial weather Web sites to see if a “Red Flag Warning” is posted for the day (often as a weather alert, much like a tornado watch), which will ensure that you will not be able to burn that day. These regulations generally address smaller amounts of natural, hand-piled vegetation to manage: leaf and limb piles grass and shrub clippings vegetative disposal from storm damage weed abatement disease/pest prevention Tools needed for a safe burn include: A rake to create a debris free ring around the fire area A charged water hose at the fire A shovel Proper clothing (long pants, long sleeves, boots, gloves) and safety glasses The following regulations apply to outdoor burning: Clear 25 feet or more area around debris pile Never use flammable liquids to start fire The resident is responsible for their smoke and embers and is liable for any damages resulting from the burn Never leave the fire unattended Ensure fire is completely extinguished and pile is cool to the touch when the burn is done Cooking fires: Open burning in a reasonable fashion for the purpose of cooking food for immediate human consumption is allowed Burning under hazardous conditions: The fire marshal may prohibit any open burning when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such burning hazardous. Fire crews are designated to stop burns that are deemed unsafe by the company officer Location of the fire: The location for open burning shall not be less than 50 feet from any structure (house, out-building, fence, public utility, etc.) on larger piles, and 25 feet where the pile size is 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height Recreational fires: Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure (house, out-building, fence, public utility, etc.) or combustible material Remember, smoke and heat from fire rises, so lower-hanging branches and leaves can be considered combustible material and could pose a fire risk as well. Care should be taken to ensure that the flames and heat do not get high enough to damage overhead foliage. For more information on the state burn ban, click here or contact Marietta at 678-242-2604 or matthew.marietta@cityofmiltonga.us.