Request to Burn Acquired Structure Application for Live Fire Training for Fire Departments
GAEPD has updated the procedure for submitting a “Request to Burn Acquired Structure Application” for live fire training and the associated guidance documents for use by local fire departments. The “Request To Burn Acquired Structure Application Guidance for Live Fire Training by Fire Departments” dated April 29, 2026, supersedes the March 24, 2009, memorandum.
Asbestos-containing materials (e.g., floor tiles) become friable as a result of burning. Friable asbestos could pose a health hazard to your firefighters and nearby residents. EPD’s procedures are based on federal and state regulations set forth in the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP), (40 CFR Part 61, Subpart M), as adopted by the Georgia Rules for Air Quality Control (Chapter 391-3-1-.02 (5)(a)(7)), the Rules for Asbestos Removal and Encapsulation (Chapter 391-3-14), and the Georgia Rules for Solid Waste Management (Chapter 391-3-4). As such, the “Request to Burn Acquired Structure Application” must include information that verifies any structure to be burned is free from asbestos containing materials. Fires set for the purpose of training fire-fighting personnel are allowed once authorized by EPD via an “Authorization to Burn” certificate issued by EPD to the fire department.
The following provides a summary of steps required to meet EPA/EPD regulatory requirements and submit a complete “Request to Burn Acquired Structure Application” for live fire training.
- Asbestos Inspection: An inspection of the structure must be conducted by an accredited asbestos inspector to determine the presence or absence of any asbestos-containing materials (ACM).
- Asbestos Abatement and Asbestos Abatement Notification: If ACM are identified in the structure, an asbestos abatement conducted by a Georgia licensed asbestos abatement contractor must be performed.
- GEOS Submittal of an “Asbestos Project Notification for Live Fire Training”: Regardless of whether ACM were identified in the structure, this Notification must be submitted to EPD in GEOS at least 10 business days prior to the fire training exercise.
- Submittal of a “Request to Burn Acquired Structure Application”: This Request must be submitted to your local EPD District Office at least 10 business days prior to Live Fire Training.
- EPD Issuance of an “Authorization to Burn Certificate”: Once the Application is approved, an “Authorization to Burn” certificate will be issued by the local EPD District office. The fire department must receive this certificate prior to initiating the live fire training.
Proper Disposal of Burned Structure Remains: Any remains of the burned structure are considered solid waste and must be disposed of in an EPD-permitted landfill.
Request to Burn Acquired Structure Application Guidance Document and Resources
Request To Burn Acquired Structure Application Guidance for Live Fire Training by Fire Departments April 2026
Asbestos Inspection Report Requirements
GEOS Quick Guide for Fire Departments This guidance is specific to Fire Departments submitting an "Asbestos Project Notification for Live Fire Training" only.
Request to Burn Acquired Structure Application
EPD District Office Contacts & County Assignments April 2026
Questions?
For questions regarding the Request to Burn Acquired Structure Application, contact your Local District Office . For questions related to GEOS or Asbestos Project Notifications, contact EPD’s Lead-based Paint and Asbestos Program at (404) 363-7026 or [email protected].