CLINCH COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) — The Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) lifted the statewide burn ban on Tuesday, May 12, as wildfire conditions improve.

Both the Pineland Road Fire and the Highway 82 fire are now at 90% containment, according to GFC.

“This is welcome progress—and a testament to the incredible work of wildland firefighters, first responders and partner agencies who have worked around the clock over the past several weeks," an official said.

While the statewide ban has been lifted, several counties may have local burn ordinances in place. Before burning, GFC encourages residents to reach out to local officials for burn ban information.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EDP) summer burn ban remains active for 54 counties near Atlanta.

Regardless of county-specific guidelines, GFC asked residents to take precautions when burning, as conditions are still dry and wildfire risks have not disappeared.

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