Based on the decreasing fire danger and the fortunate increase of rainfall in Ware and Clinch Counties we have determined that the issuing of burning permits can resume with the following restrictions beginning Wednesday at 8:00am August 3rd, 2011.
Clinch Co. – no restriction. GFC Clinch County Office and Satilla Dispatch can begin to issue permits for all type of burning under the normal open burning laws, rules and regulations. (GFC and EPD). Includes Hand Pile Natural Vegetation using the On-line and Telephone (IVR) permitting systems.
Ware Co. – with restrictions. GFC Ware County Office and Satilla Dispatch can begin to issue permits for all type of burning under the normal open burning laws, rules and regulations. (GFC and EPD). Includes Hand Pile Natural Vegetation using the On-line and Telephone (IVR) permitting systems. However, due to the Honey Prairie Wildfire continuing to burn within the Okefenokee Swamp and the ongoing fire operations by multiple ground and air resources adjacent to the Swamp perimeter, no permits for any acreage burning (land clearing piles or silvilculture site prep) will be issued West of US 1 from the Charlton Co./Ware Co. line continuing North to Astoria Road. In addition, no acreage burning permits (land clearing piles or silvilculture site prep) will be issued East of Swamp Road from Double Branches Road/Huckleberry Road intersection south to Water Oak Creek Lane/Kite Road Intersection. Only Hand Piled Natural Vegetation (yard debris) and agriculture type burning are allowed. These restrictions will remain until the Honey Prairie Wildfire is deemed contained/controlled.
The Waycross Fire Department should be contacted to obtain permits for any open burning within the City Limits of Waycross.
Hopefully, this action will allow the majority of the citizens of both Clinch and Ware Co to resume safe burning practices but at the same time alleviate the threat of unwanted wildfires near to the Okefenokee Swamp perimeter where wildfire suppression resources are still operating daily. All other counties within the State have previously returned to normal burn permitting procedures.
Thanks for your continued support and if you have any questions please let me know.
Frank Sorrells, District Manager
Satilla District
Georgia Forestry Commission
Office: 912 287-4915
08-04-11
9:00 hrs