The Georgia burn ban has officially been lifted as of Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
During the summer months in Georgia, the ozone in the air we breathe can reach unhealthy levels. The Georgia EPD has identified open burning as a significant contributor of the pollutants that form ozone.
Citizens and businesses are prohibited from burning yard and land-clearing debris during the burn ban season. Some actions, such as campfires and agricultural activities, are exempt from the ban.
In accordance with the State Fire Prevention Code, The Macon-Bibb County Fire Department requires a burning permit be requested prior to burning.
Burn permits are meant to be used for natural vegetative materials such as (leaves, small limbs, pinecones, or pine straw). It is unlawful to burn man-made material such as tire, shingles, paper, plastics, lumber, or household garbage.
Burn permits are good only for the day they are issued. No burning is allowed on windy days (10 mph or higher) or on days when the atmospheric conditions (cloudy, overcast, or raining) would cause the smoke to remain low to the ground.
Residents must request a permit through our online system: https://www.maconbibb.us/fire-department/burn-permit/. Permits are valid only for the day issued and all fires must be fully extinguished by sunset. Commercial / Air Curtain Burns: Commercial operators require a site visit before a permit is issued. Call 478-751-2700 to begin the process.
Residential Burning Rules (Quick Guide):
– Permitted only Oct. 1 – Apr. 30
– Allowed 9:00 a.m. – sunset
– Natural vegetative materials only (from your property, on your property)
– Maximum pile size: 6 ft x 6 ft x 3 ft
– Fire must be at least 50 ft from structures and property lines
– A competent adult must monitor at all times
– A functional garden hose or other extinguishing method must be present
– Fire must be completely out before dark, with no smoldering
– No burning on windy days (winds >10 mph) or when smoke will stay low
– Do not burn: building materials, plastics, furniture, clothing, rubber/tires, garbage, or boxes