Severe drought conditions have plagued not only the City of Covington but the entire state of Georgia for the past few months. Citizens should use extra care when activities involve any sort of outdoor burning. The weather has been very sporadic with temperatures ranging from the mid 40’s up in the 80’s. However, the one constant has been the lack of rain throughout the state. So, we suggest the citizens follow a few safety measures which will provide for a safe outdoor experience.

This time of year is usually spent with family and friends outside around a fire pit enjoying the cool fall weather. The Covington Fire Department (CFD) urges that citizens use the upmost caution during this drought period. People can have a false sense of safety while using a manufactured fire pit, but the same precautions should be followed regardless of the fire pit construction. The CFD encourages while partaking in such activities citizens to follow a few safety precautions.

1. Clear away any dry leaves or other combustible material prior to igniting the outdoor fire. This applies even if the fire is contained in a manufactured fire pit.
2. Avoid burning on windy days.
3. Always have a hose, bucket of water, or shovel and dirt or sand nearby to put out the fire.
4. Never use gasoline or other flammables to ignite the outdoor fire.
5. Attend the fire at all times.
6. Keep the fire small and manageable.
7. If the fire gets out of control call 911 immediately.

Another fall activity is cleaning up all the leaves and limbs that have fallen. The Covington Fire Department does issue burn permits to allow burning of such debris. The permit is free and can be obtained at the Covington Fire Headquarters located on Pace Street. Citizens should always call 1-877-ok2-burn to check on the availability of permits in our area prior to burning. If permits aren’t available the City of Covington always offers curb side pick-up of limbs and leaves. Citizens within the City should pile limbs and leaves at the curb for pick-up on their normal trash day. The material should not be placed in the roadway. If a permit is issued the citizen should follow a few simple rules.

1. Obtain the necessary permit from the Covington Fire Department.
2. Make sure that all combustibles are at least 25 feet from the fire.
3. Avoid burning on windy days.
4. Always have a hose, bucket of water, or shovel and dirt or sand nearby to put out the fire.
5. Never use gasoline or other flammables to ignite the outdoor fire.
6. Attend the fire at all times.
7. Keep the fire small and manageable.
8. If the fire gets out of control call 911 immediately.

If anyone has any questions or concerns about outdoor burning they can contact the Covington Fire Department at 770-385-2155 or dtsmith@cityofcovington.org.