Beginning this month, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) open burning ban will be in effect for 54 Georgia counties including Cherokee County. This ban has been in place during the summer ozone season since 2005.Citizens and businesses are prohibited from burning yard and land-clearing debris from May 1 through September 30. The open burning ban is in addition to the rule that prohibits the burning of household garbage, which is never allowed anywhere in Georgia.

Ground-level ozone, which is most commonly produced in the heat of the summer, can cause lung inflammation as well as other health problems. Open burning creates particle pollution, which consists of extremely small particles that can increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke.