WOODSTOCK, GA —The Environmental Protection Division annual ban on open burning will resume on May 1, Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services warns residents.

The latest information from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division, Air Protection Branch lists 54 metro Atlanta, north and central Georgia counties that are subject to following the annual burn ban. "The burning ban is an important part of the state's plan to improve air quality during smog season, which runs from May 1 through Sept. 30 of each year," said Cherokee County Fire Marshal Chad Arp.

Citizens and businesses in the affected counties are not allowed to burn yard and land-clearing debris during the burn ban season. Some actions such as campfires and agricultural activities are exempt from the ban. More information about the rules can be found here. For more information about alternatives to burning such as composting and chipping, call the Department of Community Affairs at 404-679-4940 or the Pollution Prevention Assistance Division toll-free at 800-685- 2443.

Debris can also be hauled to a commercial processing/grinding/composting operation or to an inert or construction and demolition landfill. For a list of landfills in your area, call EPD's Solid Waste Management Program at 404-362-2692. Cherokee County citizens can get more information on the open burning ban by calling the EPD Mountain District Office at 478-751- 6612 or EPD's Air Protection Branch at 404-363-7000. Small businesses can get help and information by calling EPD's Small Business Assistance Program toll-free at 877-427-6255.