FORSYTH COUNTY — Forsyth County residents who want to burn yard debris before the annual state ban kicks in are running out of time.

The outdoor restrictions will begin Sunday and continue until the end of September.

“It essentially bans all outdoor debris burning,” said Forsyth County Fire Department Division Chief Jason Shivers. “The exceptions are for recreational fires, meaning a simple campfire or a barbecue grill, the common sense things that are not included. Any kind of fire that is to dispose of debris is banned.”

Leaves, trash and yard or storm damage are among the prohibited burn items.

According to Shivers, the May 1 ban is imposed due to state air quality restrictions, but has the added benefit of preventing fires.

“It’s a common misconception perhaps that it’s designed for fire safety in the summer months,” Shivers said. “Certainly, summer in Georgia is typically the drier season. And if we have a drought or a dry spell during the summer, not having the outdoor burning is definitely a side benefit. But the core purpose behind the burn ban is air quality guidelines.”

More information about the ban can be found online at www.forsythco.com  or by calling the fire marshal office’s at 678-455-8072.