LOWNDES COUNTY, Ga. — The Lowndes County Board of Commissioners has voted to lift countywide burn restrictions that were previously put in place because of dry conditions and an elevated wildfire risk.

During its regular meeting on May 26, commissioners approved removing the restrictions following recent rainfall and improved environmental conditions. County officials said the decision was made based on recommendations from the Georgia Forestry Commission and Lowndes County Fire Rescue.

The burn restrictions will officially be lifted beginning June 1.

Residents are reminded that outdoor burning activities must still comply with the Lowndes County Burn Ordinance. Under the ordinance, outdoor burning is permitted in the unincorporated areas of Lowndes County on the first and third Saturdays of each month.

With the restrictions lifted, the first allowable day for outdoor burning will be Saturday, June 6.

County officials noted that residential burning of hand-piled vegetation in unincorporated Lowndes County does not require a permit from the Georgia Forestry Commission. However, agricultural, commercial, acreage and land-clearing burns may require permits and must continue to follow all Georgia Forestry Commission regulations and guidelines.

Officials also encourage residents to use caution when conducting outdoor burns by monitoring weather and wind conditions, keeping fires attended at all times and taking necessary precautions to prevent wildfires.

For more information about outdoor burning regulations, contact Lowndes County Fire Rescue at 229-671-2730.