As of October 1, the City of Gainesville has been open for residents to seek permits to burn leaves, small brush, and grass clippings in their yards, within city limits. The burn season is in effect through April 30, 2024 for Gainesville.
The City of Gainesville's social media posts reminds residents that the Fire Marshal's Office does reserve to right to refuse permit requests, pending weather conditions that may be hazardous to extensive fire issues, such as extreme dry air, low humidity and potential drough conditions.
You can go to https://www.gainesville.org/DocumentCenter/View/316/Burn-Permits-and-Regulations-PDF to see more about what is required while properly burning in residential areas, such as:
- Burning should be conducted between sunrise and sunset.
- You may burn only the following items: Leaves, grass, or small limbs that have fallen from the trees on YOUR PROPERTY. Limbs should not be over 3" in diameter.
- Fire location shall be 50 feet from any structure and 50 feet from all property lines.
- A competent adult must be present the entire time the fire is burning.
- A functional water hose or method of extinguishment must be present to control and extinguish the fire.
- Fire must be completely out before dark. This means no smoldering or hot coals remaining. Permits issued are good for that day ONLY.
- No burning on windy days (10 mph or higher) or on days when the atmospheric conditions (cloudy, overcast or raining) would cause the smoke to remain low to the ground.
- Fires may not be started with petroleum based products.
- Do not burn ANY building materials, furniture, plastic, clothing, ANY rubber or tires, newspapers, household garbage, boxes.
- Cooking fires shall be in a contained area consisting of a 3ftx3ft area.
Gainesville's Fire Marshal's Office also provides a safety checklist at the link above, which includes:
- Obtain the proper permit. (Residential, Land Clearing)
- Garden Hose or Method of Extinguishment must be present.
- Burn only the items listed on the opposite page (i.e. leaves, grass, or small tree limbs).
- Must be more than 50' from any structure or property line.
- A competent adult must attend the fire at all times. NO fire should be left unattended
- Common Sense should always prevail.
- Fires must be completely out by dark. (No smoldering or hot coals should be remaining).
For more information on how to obtain a burn permit in Gainesville, call (770) 534-3612, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily.
