Burn Permits

Burn Permits and Outdoor Burning

If you live outside the city and wish to burn please contact Whitfield County Fire in order to obtain permission to burn.

Whitfield County Fire
(706) 259-7433

City residents should adhere to Dalton Public Works “Yard Trimming Collection Policy” before burning.  Any questions about the Yard Trimming Collection Policy should be directed to Dalton Public Works at (706) 278-7077

Types of Fires Exempt from Burn Permits and Outdoor Burning

  • Fires burned for the purpose of cooking food for immediate human consumption, e.g., barbecue grill or pit.
  • Fires in an outdoor fireplace, chimenea, fire bowl, or other similar device burning logs or clean wood only.

Recreational Fires Non-Permit Required

  • Recreational fire means an outdoor fire in which only logs or clean wood are being burned and has a total fuel area of 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height for pleasure, religious ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes, and which is not used to dispose of garbage or yard waste.
  • Recreational fires are allowed between the hours of 9 a.m. and 10:30 p.m.
  • Recreational burning is not 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.
  • Recreational fires must be attended by an adult 18 years or older who must be watching the fire at all times. Never leave the fire unattended.
  • A water hose or fire extinguisher must be on hand that can reach the fire, and can be ready to use if needed.
  • Recreational fires must be at least 25 feet from all structures.
  • Recreational fires shall not be started with petroleum-based products.
  • You are responsible and liable for damages to adjacent properties and structures due to fire escape.

Outdoor Burning Non-Permit Required

*Outdoor burning is not permitted when the Fire Danger Forecast is at or above “3”. 

Click here for the current Fire Danger Forecast.

You may burn limited yard debris such as leaves, pine straw, and small limbs from growth on your property. Debris pile shall be no greater than 6’ x 6’.  The following restrictions for burning also apply:

  • No burning is allowed if the Fire Danger Forecast is at or above “3”, 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. 
  • Burning must be attended by an adult 18 years or older who must be watching the fire at all times. Never leave a fire unattended.
  • A water hose long enough to reach the fire must be on hand and ready for use.
  • Fires may not be started with petroleum-based products.
  • Only clean wood may be burned. Clean wood means natural wood which has not been painted, varnished, or coated with a similar material; has not been pressure treated with preservatives; and does not contain resins or glues as in plywood or other composite wood products.
  • Yard waste (small) fire must be at least 50 feet from all structures, including fences of combustible material, limbs no larger than 6” diameter, pile no greater than 6’ x 6’ and at least 25’ from roads.
  • Yard waste fires larger than 6’x6’ require a permit.
  • Burning in a barrel is prohibited.
  • Burning of garbage is prohibited. Garbage is any waste material that includes but is not limited to plastic products, Styrofoam, fiberglass, recycling wire (burned to access metal), tires, clothing, furniture, mattresses, boxes, papers, stumps and root balls.
  • The fire must be extinguished 1 hour before sunset.
  • Even if all guidelines for burning are followed, you may be required to extinguish the fire if it adversely interferes with another’s enjoyment of life, use of property, or if someone with a health problem is affected.
  • You are responsible and liable for damages to adjacent properties and structures due to fire escape.

Burn Permit Required

  • Please allow 5-7 business days to obtain a permit for a Bonfire or Yard Waste (large) fire.  A permit will not be issued if the setbacks from structures and property lines are not met.  To request a burn permit call the Fire Department at 706-278-7363, extension 226
  • Bonfires — An outdoor fire larger than a recreational fire in which only logs or clean wood are being burned for ceremonial purposes.  Bonfires must be 50’ from structures, 100’ from property lines, and completely out by 10:30 p.m.
  • Yard waste (large) fires—pile larger than 6'x6' and not more than 12'x12', must be 100' from property line, 150 feet from any structure, limbs not more than 12" diameter and completely out by 10:30 p.m.  Burning of garbage is prohibited. Garbage is any waste material that includes but is not limited to plastic products, Styrofoam, fiberglass, recycling wire (burned to access metal), tires, clothing, furniture, mattresses, boxes, papers, stumps and root balls.  A permit is not required for a fire smaller than a 6’x6’.
  • Printer-friendly version