FORSYTH COUNTY — Residents in Forsyth and 53 other north Georgia counties are able to burn outdoor yard debris beginning today.

Outdoor burning restrictions are in place annually from May 1 to Oct. 1 due to summer air quality concerns and regulations of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the Environmental Protection Division.

Frank Sorrells, the Georgia Forestry Commission’s chief of forest protection, said in a statement that fall is “perfect for working in the yard, and that includes clearing leaves and vegetation with fire.”

“Just remember that any time fire is used for outdoor burning, a burn permit needs to be secured … fortunately that’s an easy thing to do,” he said.

Burn permits can be secured online at GaTrees.org and permits may also be obtained by calling (877) 652-2876.

“As beautiful as our autumn leaves are, we have to urge caution this time of year,” Sorrells continued. “We always see an uptick in wildfire activity in the northern parts of the state from around Thanksgiving into early December. That coincides with the annual leaf fall in our hardwood forest in the mountains, ridge and valley areas, which provides more fuel for wildfires.”

He added that residents should always have water and tools close by in case flames escape from a fire.