Due to the extreme drought conditions currently in place for Spalding, Clayton, Lamar, Pike an Upson Counties, the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) summer burn ban, which was due to be lifted as of October 1, 2019, has been extended. The Georgia Forestry Commission has evaluated the severe drought conditions, weather forecast and fire activity, and decided no burn permits will be issued as long as these extreme conditions are in place.

According to Jeff Kenerly, Chief Ranger with the Georgia Forestry Commission, “The Georgia Forestry Commission recognizes the importance of and promotes prescribed burning for the many wildfire prevention, forest management and agriculture benefits it provides. However, right now we are asking everyone to be extremely vigilant in regards to any outdoor fires and wait for better conditions before burning any yard debris.”

The Georgia Forestry Commission will be monitoring the fire conditions in each county and will be able to resume issuing burn permits as conditions improve.

For additional information, call the local Georgia Forestry Commission office at 770- 227-5522 or 706-646-6011, visit the Georgia Forestry Commission website, visit the spaldingcounty.com website or call the Spalding County Fire Department at 770-228- 2129.