McDonough Fire Department

Mandatory Burn Ban Issued for the City of McDonough

MCDONOUGH, Ga.– Effective immediately, the City of McDonough Fire Department is issuing a mandatory burn ban for all city residents and businesses.

This follows a countywide ban issued today, April 23, by the Henry County Office of the Fire Marshal and Fire Prevention Bureau.

Increased wildfire activity across south and central Georgia, combined with local dry weather and shifting winds, has created a high-risk environment where fires can ignite and spread with dangerous speed.

Under this mandatory ban, no outdoor burning of any kind is allowed within the city limits. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Fire pits
• Bonfires
• Burning of yard debris
• Agricultural burning
• Prescribed burning

Please be extremely cautious with anything that could create a spark.

The McDonough Fire Department urges all residents to strictly adhere to these restrictions. Even small, attended fires can quickly escape control under current conditions.

Residents are also reminded that the annual Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) seasonal burn ban is scheduled to begin on May 1, 2026, and will remain in effect through Sept. 30. This state-mandated ban further restricts the burning of yard debris and land-clearing materials to protect air quality during the summer months.

The current emergency ban will remain in place until further notice.

For the latest updates, visit www.mcdonoughga.org.

This week, we recognize National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. It was our honor to provide lunch and dinner to our incredible dispatchers as a small token of appreciation for the critical work they do every day. Before help ever arrives, it’s their steady voice and rapid decision-making that sets everything in motion. We are proud to stand behind such an exceptional team.

🚩 RED FLAG WARNING in effect Saturday, March 28.

Critical fire weather is expected across most of Georgia. Low humidity and high wind gusts mean any fire that starts could spread out of control rapidly. Stay alert and report smoke or fire to local officials immediately.

Today we stand with our brothers and sisters at Henry County Fire Rescue as they mourn the loss of Firefighter/Paramedic Stephen Reeves.

Stephen served the citizens of Henry County, Georgia for 21 years. A career dedicated to protecting others reflects a life rooted in service, sacrifice, and the enduring bond of the fire service brotherhood.

On behalf of the men and women of the McDonough Fire Department, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Reeves family, his crew, and the entire Henry County Fire Rescue family. Please know we are keeping you in our thoughts and stand beside you during this difficult time.

We ask our community and the fire service family to keep the Reeves family and the members of Henry County Fire Rescue in your thoughts and prayers.

Henry County Government and Henry County Fire Rescue are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Firefighter/Paramedic Stephen Reeves.

On Sunday, Firefighter/Paramedic Reeves suffered a medical emergency and was transported to the hospital by his crew.

Stephen served the county for 21 years and his service and dedication to this community will not be forgotten.

Please keep the Reeves family and his fire service family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

The department will provide updates regarding arrangements and services as they become available.

How to Report Winter Weather Hazards

In preparation for potential winter weather impacts from Saturday through Monday, Henry County Emergency Management & Homeland Security is sharing two ways to report non-emergency storm-related hazards, such as icy roads, downed trees, and power lines.

⏰The Emergency Operations Center hotline will be available from Saturday, January 24 at 8:00 PM through Monday, January 26 at 8:00 AM

🚨 Option 1: Reporting Platform
Submit hazards quickly and easily with our new platform!
👉 Go to this link https://tinyurl.com/HCEMHS-Hazard-Report to report storm hazards! Or use the QR code pictured.

🚨 Option 2: Emergency Operations Center Hotline
Call our dedicated non-emergency hotline at: 470-710-0101

This hotline is for non-emergency reports only. For emergencies, please call 911.

Your safety matters report hazards fast and help us respond quickly! Stay safe, Henry County!

Freezing weather can lead to frozen pipes, power issues, and home damage. Take a few minutes now to review these inclement weather preparedness tips and protect your home before temperatures drop. A little preparation today can help prevent bigger problems later.

⚠️ Winter Storm Potential ⚠️ - 1/15/2026 12PM Update
We are monitoring the potential for a winter storm across portions of the Southeast US (including Georgia) from Saturday night through Sunday. There is a growing chance (15-30%) for snow of a 1/2" or more in parts of the area. Confidence is VERY LOW in the forecast, but residents of GA should at least anticipate the possibility for travel impacts on Sunday. Potential outcomes from this system range from no snow or impacts, to widespread snow with significant impacts. Please stay tuned for more updates, and only follow trusted sources of weather information!

Last week, our department and instructors hosted an Introduction to Technical Rescue course that drew a strong group of students—including members of our own department alongside members of Henry County Fire Rescue, the City of Griffin Fire Department, Walton County Fire Department, Butts County Fire Department and the City of Jackson Fire Department.

Across the days of training, students learned the essential skills and tactics that are the foundation of technical rescue operations. Great work by all instructors and students involved as the class recieved a 100% pass rate!