ATLANTA — Burn restrictions are set to be put in effect in 54 counties in north Georgia next month.

Beginning on May 1, the Environmental Protection Division will restrict residents from burning yard and land clearing debris.

This new restriction is being put into place due to smoke that may impact ozone levels in urban areas.

Officials say the impacted counties include Cobb, Gwinnett, DeKalb and Fulton counties in the metro Atlanta area.

The restriction will be in effect until Sept. 30, Environmental Protection Division officials say.

The 54 Georgia counties affected are: Banks, Barrow, Bartow, Bibb, Butts, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Clarke, Clayton, Cobb, Columbia, Coweta, Crawford, Dawson, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Floyd, Forsyth, Fulton, Gordon, Gwinnett, Hall, Haralson, Heard, Henry, Houston, Jackson, Jasper, Jones, Lamar, Lumpkin, Madison, Meriwether, Monroe, Morgan, Newton, Oconee, Paulding, Peach, Pickens, Pike, Polk, Putnam, Richmond, Rockdale, Spalding, Troup, Twiggs, Upson, Walker, and Walton.

“The number of wildfires in Georgia has been elevated this spring,” said Georgia Forestry Commission Director Johnny Sabo. “As summer outdoor recreation season begins, all Georgians can play a role in lowering the risk of wildfire by paying close attention to weather conditions and safety precautions.”

According to Georgia officials, some exceptions include:

• Agricultural burning exemption
• Forestry “prescribed burning” exemption*
• Campfires or barbeques
• Fire-fighting training exemption, provided appropriate permit is issued
• Operation of open flame equipment exemption
• Explosive disposal in accordance with U.S. Department of Labor Safety Regulations

For more information about the Georgia counties under the burn restrictions, click here.