PRESS RELEASE – Effective immediately, Gilmer County Fire Rescue, City of Ellijay Fire Department , and East Ellijay Department of Public Safety are implementing an emergency outdoor burn ban.

In conjunction with the Georgia Forestry Commission, the above listed agencies have enacted a burn ban on all outdoor burning activities to include; but not limited to; campfires, debris removal, barrel burning, leaf clearing, land clearing both commercial and residential, as well as cooking, recreational, and warming fires.

The temporary burn ban will be in effect starting at 1400 hours on Monday, November 06, 2023, until 0800 hours on Monday, November 20, 2023.

At that time the current drought conditions will be reevaluated by the public safety departments and the Georgia Forestry Commission.

Further extensions of the burn ban may be required. We are currently experiencing elevated drought conditions, frequent low humidity, and higher sustained winds.

This combination can make for ideal wildfire conditions in Gilmer County.

We appreciate everyone’s cooperation in helping us keep Gilmer County safe from wild fires.