Outdoor Burn Ban Now in Effect in Gwinnett

Residents in the City of Duluth and Gwinnett County are reminded that the Georgia Environmental Protection Division's annual ban on outdoor burning is now in effect. 

The annual ban, which runs from May 1 through Sept. 30, is put into effect due to health concerns associated with pollutants created by outdoor burning — the smoke can negatively impact air quality during hot summer months by contributing to high ozone levels.  

The open burn ban prohibits residents and businesses from burning yard debris or land clearing debris. This includes leaves, tree limbs, or other yard waste or forest land. Residents also should not use air curtain destructors for land clearing.

In Atlanta, during the summer months, the ozone in the air can reach unhealthy levels" according to a news release. Ozone is formed when volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides react in the presence of sunlight. A major source of these pollutants is the burning of fuels and other combustible materials. Open burning has been identified as a significant contributor of the pollutants that form ozone. Therefore, open burning in metro Atlanta and the surrounding areas must be restricted during the summer months.