Dawson is one of 43 counties in Georgia under a strict burning ban May 1- Sept. 30, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

"The Georgia Environmental Protection Division imposes a ban on outdoor burning to comply with Federal Clean Air Regulations. During the summer months in Georgia, the ozone in the air we breathe can reach unhealthy levels, and open burning is citied as a significant contributor to the pollutants that form ozone," according to its website.

It is unlawful to burn all manmade materials including tires, shingles, plastic and lumber.

A one-day permit can be obtained for hand-piled natural vegetation and existing small garden spots, including leaf piles on the premises, existing small clearings to plant vegetable and flower gardens, and vegetative debris disposal from storm damage, weed abatement, disease and pest prevention.

The permit does not include the burning of debris generated by machine clearing of an area for the purpose of establishing a garden spot. This type of activity is considered a land type change and is subject to the EPD land clearing burning rules.

To obtain a one-day permit, call 1-877-OK2-BURN. Fires should not be initiated before 8 a.m. and should be completely extinguished before dark.

Other surrounding counties included in the burn ban are: Lumpkin, Pickens, Forsyth, Hall and Cherokee.

To report an illegal burn, the Dawson County Sheriffs Office asks that residents call 911.