Clarke County, Georgia
Open burning is currently prohibited in Clarke county. The order took effect on August 11, 2026 (State Forester-declared burn restriction, as published by the Georgia Forestry Commission).
What this means
- Open burning of yard waste, brush and debris
- Trash and vegetation burning of any kind
- Warming fires and unattended fires outdoors
- Small cooking fires (grill, camp stove)
Penalties in Georgia
Burning without a required permit or violating a State Forester restriction is a misdemeanor under O.C.G.A. §§ 12-6-90 and 12-6-92 — up to $1,000 and up to a year in jail under Georgia's general misdemeanor sentencing. Violating EPD's Summer Open Burning Ban is a civil air-quality violation that can carry penalties up to $25,000 per day, separate from any local citation. Escaped fires can trigger liability for suppression costs and property damage on top of either penalty.
Classification: Misdemeanor (State Forester ban) or civil environmental violation (EPD summer ban) · Maximum fine: up to $1,000 / 1 year (misdemeanor) — EPD civil penalties can run up to $25,000 per day
Sources & audit log
| Checked | Source | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 16, 2026 | Georgia Forestry Commission ↗ | status: Burn Ban in Effect |
Neighbouring counties
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Still legal during a ban
None of these are a way around Clarke county's restriction — they're what stays legal regardless of it: contained burning, screened fire pits, and basic fire safety gear. Always confirm locally before burning anything.
Contained burn barrels
A lidded, spark-arrestor barrel keeps debris burning contained rather than as open burning — check your county's rules, since some bans cover any outdoor fire regardless of containment.
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Most burn bans target open debris burning, not a screened recreational fire pit — but always confirm locally, since some restrictions cover any outdoor flame.
Fire extinguishers
Always worth having on hand near any permitted fire, ban or no ban.
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Limits of this information
burnbanradar reads public burn-ban orders as published by Georgia Environmental Protection Division and reports them unchanged. Cities and municipalities within Clarke county may impose stricter rules than the county order. Water districts and state forestry rules may add further restrictions. When an order is ambiguous or the source cannot be reached, we show Unconfirmed instead of guessing a status. The county's own posted order governs.
Common questions
Is Clarke county under a burn ban right now?
Yes. Clarke county is currently under a burn ban issued by Georgia Forestry Commission, effective since August 11, 2026. Open burning is prohibited until the order is lifted.
When did the Clarke burn ban start?
The Georgia Forestry Commission order took effect on August 11, 2026 (State Forester-declared burn restriction, as published by the Georgia Forestry Commission). It stays in effect until conditions improve or the order is formally lifted.
What can I still burn in Clarke county during this ban?
During a burn ban, small cooking fires (grills, camp stoves) typically remain allowed. Open burning of yard waste, brush, debris, and trash is prohibited. Consult the county order or fire marshal for exceptions — some jurisdictions permit specific commercial activities.
How do I report an illegal fire in Clarke county?
Call 911 for any fire that is out of control or threatens property. For a non-emergency burn-ban violation, you can also reach Georgia Forestry Commission at 1-800-GA-TREES (1-800-428-7337) (for reporting a wildfire or suspected arson), or contact the Clarke Sheriff's Office.