Georgia § 12-6-21 - Uncontrolled fire as constituting a public nuisance; duties and liabilities of person or entity responsible.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 12-6-21 — Uncontrolled fire as constituting a public nuisance; duties and liabilities of person or entity responsible., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 12-6-21. Uncontrolled fire as constituting a public nuisance; duties and liabilities of person or entity responsible.
Any fire burning uncontrolled on any forested or cut-over brush land or grassland is declared to be a public nuisance by reason of its menace to life and property. Any person, firm, or corporation responsible either for the starting or for the existence of such fire is required to control or extinguish it immediately. If such person, firm, or corporation shall refuse or neglect to do so, any organized fire suppression force may suppress the nuisance thus constituted by controlling and extinguishing the fire; and the cost thereof may be recovered from the responsible person, firm, or corporation. (Ga. L. 1937, p. 264, § 9; Ga. L. 1955, p. 309, § 31.) Cross references. - Authority of commission to enter lands for purposes of preventing, controlling, or suppressing forest fires, § 12-6-84 . Burning of woodlands, brush, fields, or other lands; destruction of or damage to material or device used in detection or suppression of wildfires; penalties for violations, § 16-7-63 .
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 12-6-21
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 12-6-21 cover?
Section 12-6-21 ("Uncontrolled fire as constituting a public nuisance; duties and liabilities of person or entity responsible.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Georgia § 12-6-21?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 12-6-21" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 12-6-21 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.