Seasonal Burn Ban In Effect Through Sept. 30 In Alpharetta-Milton

ALPHARETTA-MILTON, GA — A burn ban is in effect across much of Georgia, including Alpharetta and Milton.

This change comes every year on this date and extends through Sept. 30. The State's Environmental Protection Division issues the prohibition impacting 54 counties, including Fulton, on open burning to help curb fires fueled by dry conditions and improve overall air quality.

"It's important that Milton residents know how the 'burn ban' works and adhere to it," Milton Fire Marshal Alex Fortner said. "Our ability to do that can keep our air cleaner and prevent unwarranted and dangerous fires."

Specific to Milton, burning in non-agricultural areas, or plots that aren't agriculturally zoned, is always prohibited. So is burning treated wood, garbage, construction debris, and other non-vegetative items. The only exceptions are small fires for the immediate consumption of food and small campfires. This is true year-round.

These two exemptions, however, may be rescinded if there is a high fire danger rating on any given day. And no smoke with an opacity equal or greater than 40 percent can be emitted from any open burning source that adversely affects the public's health, safety or welfare. The Milton Fire-Rescue Department has the authority to prohibit and extinguish any fire in the city that it deems unsafe.

If you have questions or concerns on open burning, contact the Fire Department by calling 678-242-2541 or emailing fire.marshal@cityofmiltonga.us.