Toccoa Approves Burn Ban

The city of Toccoa joins Stephens County in implementing a burn ban within the city limits.

Toccoa City Commissioners passed the burn ban resolution unanimously at their meeting Monday night.

According to Toccoa City Manager Billy Morse, the ban passed by the city is very similar to the one passed by the county earlier this month.

“In summary, the resolution states that due to the lack of rain we are in an exceptional drought, increasing the threat of fires, so to protect people and property, an outdoor burn ban is declared, which means no open flames are allowed,” said Morse.

Just like the county’s resolution, the burn ban applies to all open flames outdoors.

That includes warming fires, campfires, fire pits, cooking fires, chimineas, burning barrel fires, fire rings, and fireworks.

The fines are also the same as what county commissioners approved.

Under the burn ban, the first offense results in a $100 fine, the second offense is a $300 fine, and the third offense will result in a $500 fine.

After approving the burn ban, Toccoa Mayor Evan Hellenga said that the coming rain this week was welcome.

Toccoa had over an inch of rain prior to 6 a.m. Tuesday.