Bartow County is under a total outdoor burn ban, effective immediately. Severe drought conditions have pushed local fire risks to a breaking point.
Bartow County Fire and Emergency Services issued the emergency order today, April 23rd, citing dangerously low humidity and a lack of recent rainfall. Fire Chief Billy Ward warns that current conditions allow even a small spark to ignite uncontrollable wildfires.
The ban covers all of unincorporated Bartow County and includes the cities of Adairsville, Emerson, Euharlee, Kingston, Taylorsville, and White.
Effective right now, you cannot burn:
- Yard debris or leaf piles
- Land-clearing materials
- Or any other open flames that could ignite vegetation
Local emergency resources are already stretched thin. The Georgia Forestry Commission has deployed many of its assets to fight active wildfires in other parts of the state. This deployment means Bartow County has fewer resources available to contain a fire if one starts here.
While this emergency ban expires on April 30th, the annual summer burn ban will take over immediately on May 1st.
Chief Ward and Sole Commissioner Steve Taylor urge all residents to be extremely careful. Dispose of smoking materials properly, avoid activities that create sparks, and report any sign of smoke or fire immediately to 9-1-1.
Violating the ban can lead to strict enforcement actions. Fire officials will continue to monitor the weather and provide updates as the situation develops.