Henry County Fire Marshal Chief Michael Black recently released the following burn advisory.

•Open burning with a permit 

  The Henry County Burn Ordinance is intended to promote and safeguard the public health, safety, comfort, air quality, and living conditions of the citizens relative to outdoor burning. 

It is important to remember that open burning creates air pollution that is harmful, especially for those with asthma or other respiratory conditions, including COVID-19. No fire is a healthy fire. If you do chose to burn, consider the information below to help reduce smoke and its health impacts. Burning smarter will make cleanup easier and help reduce smoke and pollutants for both you and your neighbors. 

•Talk with your neighbors before burning 

  Be considerate of your neighbors, understanding that your fires may cause health issues for them. Listen to neighbors who may suffer when you burn. Even if they don’t have health conditions, let your neighbors know you are going to have a fire so they can close windows. It is important to note that closing windows will not prevent smoke from entering homes and affecting neighbors with respiratory conditions. Be a good neighbor. 

•Burn only natural debris 

  Never burn household garbage, painted or treated wood, cardboard, plastics, or chemically treated products in your backyard fire. Not only is this practice illegal, it is also hazardous and dangerous to you, your family and to your neighbors. 

•Never let a fire smolder 

   A fire left to smolder can produce large amounts of unhealthy smoke. Extinguish the fire completely when you are done. 

•Don’t burn on air alert days 

  Smoke can make bad air days worse and you should not burn when air pollution or health advisories have been issued in your area. 

   For more information on open burning, please contact Georgia Forestry at 1-877-OK-2-Burn, or visit www.co.henry.ga.us and follow the fire department link to view the complete Open Burning and Air Quality Control Ordinance.