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To help residents in Troup and other counties clean up the widespread vegetative debris from the recent tornados, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GEPD) has delayed the start of the annual summer burn ban for Troup County.

The burn ban traditionally begins on May 1 and continues throughout the summer months until Sept. 30. To accommodate tornado victims, EPD has delayed the start of its summer burn ban in Troup County until July 1.

The Georgia Forestry Commission warns that only burning vegetative debris is allowed. Man-made or construction/demolition (C&D) debris must still be disposed of properly as it can contain harmful toxins.

This is in addition to the rule that prohibits the burning of household garbage. Burning household garbage is never allowed anywhere in Georgia, according to the Georgia EPD website.

Troup County officials are advising residents to utilize proper designated waste facilities for C&D materials that cannot be legally be burned in machine or hand-piled debris.

Burn permits are not required for smaller backyard debris piles. Those burning debris are responsible for their fire and following safety procedures.

Burn safety procedures can be found at https://gatrees.org/burn-permits-and-notifications/.