Outdoor burning ban set to expire Sept. 30

The annual outdoor burning ban is set to expire at the end of the month. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division implemented the ban to comply with Federal Clean Air Regulations, since Ozone levels are at unhealthy levels. Polk County is among several Northwest Georgia counties, including Floyd, Bartow, Paulding, and Cobb counties that are covered by the summertime ban. The outdoor burning ban is set to expire at midnight September 30. The Georgia Forestry Commission operates an on-line burn permit system at 1-877-OK2-BURN. The phone system informs callers by county whether or not they can burn, depending on specific conditions in their area. Residents may also call their county GFC office for more information or visit GaTrees.org.