County adopts amended burn resolution

The Jeff Davis County Commission last Thursday adopted an amended Yard Debris Burn Resolution adopted the Tuesday before.
The resolution temporarily restricts all open burning of yard debris, including leaves, limbs, grass and other vegetative matter within the county. It prohibits anyone from igniting or allowing the burning of yard debris outdoors except as provided through certain exemptions.
Originally, the resolution called for enforcement by the Georgia Forestry Commission but the amendment authorizes the Hazlehurst-Jeff Davis County Fire Rescue to enforce the burn ban and establishes penalties for violations of the resolution.
The penalties for violation of the burn ban are up to $500 for the first offense, $750 for the second offense and $1,000 for the third offense, or confinement of 30 days in the public jail for each offense.
The resolution cites drought conditions, and the threat to public safety, property and natural resources posed by such burning as justifications for the ordinance.
The ordinance does not apply to —
• controlled burns conducted by government agencies or authorized personnel for forestry or public safety purposes,
• fires used for cooking in approved grills or fire pits, provided they are attended and comply with safety relations,
• agricultural or forestry burns conducted with a permit and in accordance with state law and Georgia Forestry Commission guidelines.
The ban will remain in effect until the commissioners formally rescind the resolution.