Gordon County Board of Commissioners imposed a countywide burn ban on November 4, 2016. It is important to remind everyone that this ban applies to all types of outdoor fires, including bonfires, campfires, and leaf burning. Fireworks are a particular concern. The only exception is a small cooking fire that is carefully contained within an outdoor grill.
Violation of this local burn ban could result in a $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail. Burning without a permit could also result in much higher penalties imposed by the State of Georgia.
The absence of rain, extreme dry conditions, and potential windy conditions has lead to a highly dangerous situation. It only takes a single spark just a few minutes to get out of control. The potential hazard is unprecedented, and Gordon County is taking this very seriously.
Multiple forest fires throughout North Georgia clearly demonstrate the dire situation. Due to the haze drifting into areas of Gordon County from Fannin and Dade Counties, we are concerned that the smoke from a local fire could be dismissed as haze. We want to encourage residents to call 911 immediately if they suspect a fire.
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