The City of Douglas and Coffee County are under a burn ban that was issued by Governor Brian Kemp on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. The burn ban is a result of Georgia's extreme drought which has increased the risk of wildfires.

According to City Code of Ordinances, Sec. 18-10, Conditions for Lighting Fires, it is unlawful for any person to burn or set fire to trash, rubbish, weeds, grass, or any other combustible material, on any premises within the city without first having confined the area to be burned so as not to endanger any wood, fences, houses or any property of any description whatsoever; and before any fire shall be so set it shall be the duty of the person setting the fire or having it set, burning weeds, rubbish, etc., or having them burned, to obtain permission for so doing from the city manager or his designee. (Code 1978, § 11-21; Code 1993, pt. II, § 42-14)

If a person is found to have set a fire, a citation will be issued and the offender may face fines as well as liability for any resulting damage. Burning man‑made materials such as wood, paper, or cardboard during a burn ban is considered a misdemeanor, and a second offense may be prosecuted as a felony.

“Everyone needs to understand the seriousness of this situation,” said Mayor Tony Paulk. “Our firefighters are responding to fire activity every single day. Douglas Fire Department and Coffee County Fire Department have sent teams to neighboring counties to assist with the wildfires. A single spark or ember can start a dangerous, life‑threatening wildfire.”

At this time, the chance of rain remains low for the next few days. The City of Douglas remains committed to working closely with public safety officials, the Governor’s Office, the Department of Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Division, state, and local partners to combat wildfires and address the ongoing drought.