Local Fire Departments Lift Burn Ban

mrandolphadvance@gmail.com

In lieu of recent rainfall and the suspension of the state burn ban imposed by the Georgia Forestry Commission, local fire departments in Toombs County have announced that the local outdoor burning ban has been lifted.

The decision was made, as the County’s three fire departments – Vidalia Fire Department, Lyons Fire Department, and Toombs County Fire Department – coordinated to determine if the area had received enough rain to mitigate extreme fire danger. The Departments agreed that small piles of natural debris could be burned safely.

Burn piles should be no larger than 3 feet by 3 feet, and someone must continuously monitor the fire with a water source accessible nearby. Anything larger than these small piles must be approved to be burned by the city or unincorporated county’s fire chief.

Citizens are urged to extreme caution, monitor weather conditions, and follow all fire safety measures to prevent uncontrolled fires. Fire Officials will continue to enforce restrictions on illegal burning, and violations will be subject to penalties including fines and citations. If any smoke complaints are made, citizens conducting burning will be asked to put the fire out immediately.

Burn Bans remain in place in surrounding areas, such as Treutlen, Wheeler, and Montgomery Counties.

For more information, or to report a fire, call your local fire department. In case of emergency, dial 911.