Effective immediately, the City of Vidalia has lifted the Open Burning Ban, allowing limited outdoor burning under strict safety conditions. Residents may now burn small piles of natural debris, provided they adhere to fire safety guidelines.

Permitted Burning Activities – Individuals may burn a small debris piles no larger than 3 feet by 3 feet, if the fire is continuously attended, a water source is available and properly controlled. Anything larger than 3 feet by 3 feet piles will have to have approval of the Fire Chief before being burned with no exception.

 Year-Round Illegal Burning Materials - Regardless of burn bans, the following materials are always prohibited from being burned: plastics, metals and wire, glass, tires and rubber, grease and asphalt products, liquid petroleum products and hazardous wastes, furniture and mattresses, building and demolition debris, and animal wastes or carcasses.

Safety and Compliance – While open burning is now allowed, individuals are urged to exercise extreme caution, monitor weather conditions, and follow all fire safety measures to prevent uncontrolled fires. Fire officials will continue to enforce restrictions on illegal burning, and violations will be subject to penalties, including fines and citations. If any smoke complaints are made, you will be asked to extinguish the fire immediately.

For further information or to report illegal burning, contact the Vidalia Fire Department at  (912) 537-4388 (912) 537-4141.