10/01/2026
🔥 STATEWIDE BURN BAN LIFTED — PLEASE BURN RESPONSIBLY 🔥
The statewide summer burn ban in Putnam County and the other affected North Georgia counties was lifted as of October 1, 2026.
However, the lifting of the burn ban does not mean that current fire conditions are favorable for outdoor burning.
⚠️ Putnam County is currently experiencing HIGH FIRE RISK conditions. We strongly encourage everyone to use extreme caution and carefully consider current weather and fire conditions before conducting any outdoor burning.
Putnam County Fire Department responded to TWO fire calls before lunch today, October 1, both caused by outdoor burning.
This is an important reminder that safe outdoor burning is essential.
Before you burn:
🔥 Check current fire conditions and weather.
🔥 Follow the Georgia Forestry Commission's safe-burning requirements.
🔥 Keep adequate water and fire-suppression tools readily available.
🔥 Never leave a fire unattended.
🔥 Make sure your fire is completely extinguished before leaving the area.
🔥 Obtain a burn permit when one is required.
For hand-piled natural vegetation such as leaves and limbs, a burn permit is generally not required, but specific safety requirements must still be followed. Other types of burning—including certain agricultural, silvicultural, land-clearing, and prescribed burns—may require a permit or notification. Permit availability is dependent on current fire conditions and restrictions.
The Georgia Forestry Commission's “Take Five” guidelines require:
S — SPACE: At least 25 feet from woodlands or other flammable vegetation.
S — SPACE: At least 50 feet from structures.
T — TIME: Burn only between sunrise and sunset.
A — ATTENDANCE: Stay with the fire until it is completely extinguished.
R — REASONABLE PRECAUTIONS: Consider weather conditions and have the necessary tools and water available to prevent the fire from escaping.
📲 Before you burn, visit the Georgia Forestry Commission at GaTrees.org to review current fire conditions, safe-burning requirements, and determine whether a permit is required.
Please don't assume that because the burn ban has been lifted, conditions are safe for burning.
🔥 Think before you burn.
đźš’ Burn responsibly.
🌲 Help us prevent wildfires.
Putnam County Fire Department