Special Weather Alert - High Fire Danger

The National Weather Center in Atlanta has issued a special weather alert warning of high fire danger for portions of northeast and east central Georgia, including Gwinnett County, due to low relative humidities.

Relative humidities of 25 percent or less can be expected for four or more hours this afternoon with winds west to southwest at 5 to 10 mph.

With the low relative humidity, combined with dry fuels, officials are warning of high fire dangers. Refer to local burn permitting authorities before undertaking any outdoor burns. If any burning is done, officials are urging extreme caution.

Gwinnett County Outdoor Burning Ordinance – Restrictions

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) imposes a ban on outdoor burning in Gwinnett County from May 1 to September 30.

During the months that burning is allowed the following safety practices will apply in accordance with the County’s burn ordinance:

•    No burning on Sunday
•    No burning when winds exceed 15 miles per hour
•    No burning during an air pollution episode
•    No burning if it poses a health risk (verified by doctor) to people in the area
•    Burn piles must contain only natural vegetation
•    Residents are not allowed to burn household garbage or rubbish
•    Burning is not allowed within 50 feet of any structure
•    Keep your burn piles small
•    You must have a water source available

Source: Gwinnett County Fire Marshall's office