County Commissioner's Office

County Talk
By
Lamar Paris - Commissioner 

Q.  With the outside fire ban, will we be able to shoot fireworks on the 4th of July?
A.  Unfortunately, without a permit, the answer is probably NO.  However, if we receive a lot more rain than we have so far this month, it is possible that the burning ban will be lifted.  Union County is still under a county wide burn ban that will not be lifted until we can agree with the Georgia Forestry and U.S. Forest Service that it is again safe to burn outside in Union County.

Q.  How do we get a permit to shoot fireworks?
A.  You have to apply through the Probate Judge’s office at the courthouse. The Fire Chief will then evaluate your application for all safety related issues.   If it remains as dry as it is now, you may be required to pay for a couple of volunteer firemen to man a fire engine at your venue.

Q. Will the Chamber of Commerce fire works at Meeks Park be allowed this year?
A.  Yes they will, however, we will have at least one fire engine at the event with several volunteers on stand by.

Q.  Will the annual fireworks show at Woody Gap School in Suches be provided this year?
A.  Yes they will because the fire department puts on the display and will have more than ample volunteers and equipment on site.

Q.  Has it ever been this dry in Union County?
A.  We may have had drier weather, but never at this time of year.  No one I have spoken with remembers conditions this dry this early in the year.  Usually the fire season ends in late April or early May, but not this year.

Q. Is there any historical data available?
A.  Yes. You can find it on the county web site www.unioncountyga.gov . Click on the green “local weather” button, and then click on the first option, Mountain Research…
Here is some interesting data we found.