The Long County Board of Commissioners has adopted an ordinance to temporarily limiting outdoor burning due to hazardous fire conditions.

The intent of this ordinance is to better protect the residents, property, and natural resources of Long County in response to a recent uptick in large and difficult-to-control brush fires. These incidents have increased the demand on Long County Fire and Emergency Management resources, placed responders at greater risk, and created preventable threats to homes, timber, and infrastructure throughout the county.

Officials said the Long County is a community that values personal responsibility and the ability of its residents to manage their property. This ordinance is not designed to take away those freedoms or to unnecessarily penalize residents. Instead, it is intended to provide the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) with the ability to take reasonable and necessary actions to prevent dangerous burning conditions when they arise.

Education will remain the primary approach. Long County Fire and EMA will continue to emphasize public outreach, ensuring that residents are aware of safe burning practices, weather considerations, and state and local guidelines. The goal is to work alongside the community to prevent incidents before they occur, not to punish after the fact.

Enforcement measures, including fines or restrictions such as burn bans, will be used only when necessary. These actions will serve as a last resort for individuals who knowingly disregard safety guidelines or create hazardous conditions that put others at risk. The intent is accountability, not punishment.

This ordinance ensures that Long County has the flexibility to respond to changing environmental conditions and increased fire risk, while still maintaining a fair and community- focused approach. By prioritizing education first and enforcement only when required, this measure supports both public safety and the values of the residents of Long County.