Burning season is open for Gainesville residents

As of October 1, the City of Gainesville is open to residents seeking a permit to burn leaves, small brush and grass clippings in their yards within city limits. The fire season for Gainesville is April 30, 2024.

The City of Gainesville’s social media posts remind residents that the Fire Marshal’s Office reserves the right to deny permit applications while there are weather conditions that could pose a threat to widespread fires, such as extremely dry air, low humidity and possible Drought conditions.

Learn more about what is needed for proper residential combustion, such as: E.g.:

• Burning should take place between sunrise and sunset.
• You may only burn the following items: leaves, grass or small branches that have fallen from the trees on YOUR PROPERTY. The limbs should be no more than 3 inches in diameter.
• The fire location must be 50 feet from any structure and 50 feet from all property lines.
• A competent adult must be present throughout the fire.
• A functional water hose or extinguishing method must be available to control and extinguish the fire.
• The fire must be completely extinguished before nightfall. This means no smoldering or hot coals are left behind. Permits issued are valid for that day ONLY.
• Burning is prohibited on windy days (10 miles per hour or more) or on days when atmospheric conditions (cloudy, overcast or rainy) would cause smoke to remain low to the ground.
• Fires may not be started with petroleum-based products.
• DO NOT burn building materials, furniture, plastics, clothing, rubber or tires, newspapers, household trash, or boxes.
• Cooking fires must occur in a confined area measuring 3 x 3 feet.

The Gainesville Fire Marshal’s Office also provides a safety checklist at the link above that includes:

• Obtain the appropriate permit. (residential real estate, property clearance)
• Garden hose or extinguishing agent must be available.
• Burn only the items listed on the opposite page (e.g. leaves, grass, or small branches).
• Must be more than 50 feet from any structure or property line.
• A knowledgeable adult must be present at the source of the fire at all times. NO fire should be left unattended
• Common sense should always prevail.
• The fires must be completely extinguished by nightfall. (No smoldering or hot coals should remain).

For more information about obtaining a burn permit in Gainesville, call (770) 534-3612 daily between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.