An outdoor burn ban will go into effect on May 1 and continue through September 30 in 54 Georgia counties, including Columbia and Richmond.

The burn ban prohibits citizens and businesses from burning yard and land-clearing debris during the summer ozone season to avoid air quality issues.

The ban is in addition to the year-round, statewide prohibition against burning household garbage. Recreational activities such as campfires and grilling are exempt from the open burning ban.