Union County Fire Officials Urge Caution as Outdoor Burning Season Begins

As spring arrives, Union County Fire and Rescue is reminding residents about the importance of safe outdoor burning practices to prevent wildfires.

Each year, officials share guidance as more residents begin burning leaves and yard debris. While many of these fires are small and contained on private property, they can still raise concerns due to visible smoke. Fire officials say most are controlled burns and not cause for alarm, but proper precautions remain critical.

Under Georgia law, property owners are allowed to burn hand-piled leaves and natural yard debris without a permit, provided they follow safety standards established by the Georgia Forestry Commission.

Fire officials emphasize the “Take Five” safety campaign, which highlights five key precautions using the acronym “S-S-T-A-R”:

• Space: Maintain at least 25 feet between the fire and woodlands.

• Space: Keep at least 50 feet between the fire and any structures.

• Time: Burning is only allowed from sunrise to sunset.

• Attendance: Someone must remain with the fire until it is fully extinguished.

• Reasonable Precautions: Have safety measures in place, such as a water source, tools, and awareness of weather conditions like high winds or low humidity.

Officials also stress that only natural materials such as leaves and yard debris may be burned. Burning household garbage or man-made materials is not permitted.

Authorities encourage residents to review all outdoor burning laws and safety guidelines before starting a fire. More information is available through the Georgia Forestry Commission’s website.

Fire officials say taking a few extra precautions can help prevent dangerous wildfires and keep communities safe throughout the season.