Burn Ban starts on Friday ahead of summer season

Drought conditions prompting cutoff for burning through end of September

Polk County has joined others across the state by putting a burn ban in effect, which will remain through the summer months.

The County Emergency Management Agency posted an alert to phones locally announcing the start of the ban on Friday, April 24.

It came after Governor Brian Kemp issued a State of Emergency due to worsening drought conditions statewide, and increasing risks of wildfires that are already impacting South Georgia counties.

All outdoor burning will be prohibited in an effort to protect the safety of residents and property locally, and hopefully keep wildfires from spreading into forested areas.

“We urge residents to remain vigilant and to report any signs of fire promptly to local emergency services. We appreciate your cooperation in helping keep Polk County safe,” a further message read from Polk County EMA.

Note those caught burning will face fines for doing so. Permits will not be issued through the ban.

Though a majority of Polk County has avoided much of the extreme dry conditions that have impacted South Georgia, lack of rain over the past weeks have increased and pushed a majority of Polk into moderate drought conditions. Some of the eastern half of the county is under a severe drought.