Starting Thursday, Georgia’s summertime burn ban will be in effect in 54 counties across the north and central parts of the state.
The yearly ban, in place since 2005, prohibits the burning of yard and land-clearing debris between May 1 and Sept. 30, according to Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division . Recreational activities, such as campfires and grilling, are still allowed.
“This is not because of fire danger, but it’s to keep the air quality as good as it can possibly be,” Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Brian Monahan said.
Metro Atlanta’s declining air quality among worst in Southeast, report says
During the summer, levels of ground-level ozone, the main component of smog, and particulate matter (or soot) peak due to the sun’s heat and trigger smog alerts. The metro area typically sees a few Code Orange days per summer, meaning the air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups, such as those with heart disease or lung disease, such as asthma…