Total burn ban in effect
By JARED PUTNAM Union Sentinel Editor

Sentinel photo/Jared Putnam Smoke from south Georgia fires traveled north, leaving Union County covered in a thick haze last Sunday.

Commissioners of both Union and Towns County, in conjunction with the Union and Towns County Fire Department, Georgia Forestry, United States Forest Service and the Mayors of Blairsville, Hiawassee, and Young Harris, have issued a total ban on outdoor fires of any kind other than a self contained propane grill.

The move seeks to prevent the same type of fire epidemic that has plagued various parts of the state in recent weeks.

Smoke from massive fires such as the ones in south Georgia and north Florida has travelled north, even reaching Union County. The thick haze that has clouded the skies above the area on days like last Sunday is a reminder of just how far reaching the effects of a large blaze can be.

The ban for Union and Towns County states:

"Not only is the county and state experiencing a record drought, but U.S. Forestry and Georgia Forestry are involved in other areas fighting fires and all man power is stretched thin.

In addition, public water supplies for the City of Blairsville are extremely low and a large fire would severely impact their ability to continue to supply drinking water to their area.

This means you cannot burn garbage in an outside can; you cannot burn leaves or brush of any kind. You can not use a charcoal grill unless it has a lid. A self-contained propane cook stove or grill is the only approved outside fire source. Camp fires are prohibited in any area of the county, even in campgrounds. Fireworks or sparklers are prohibited. This ban will be in effect until we have substantial rainfall. This is not considered a restrictive ban, but a protective ban to protect you, the public, who either live or visit in Union County. We are in a critical situation and please report anyone you see with an outside fire.

The fines for starting a forest fire are significant. For those who smoke, please be extremely careful and do not throw out any cigarette butts. A fire in these dry weather conditions could be catastrophic. Thank you for your cooperation."