Starting Thursday the annual summer-long ban on outdoor burning goes into effect.

The ban will last until October 1. It’s enacted each year in metro Atlanta to improve air quality.

Until Thursday, residents in unincorporated Fayette, Brooks, Tyrone and Woolsey must call the new automated burn permit line at 770-305-5468.

In Peachtree City burn permits are available online at www.ptcgovernment.org/fire/burnpermit or by calling the fire department at 770-631-2526.

In Fayetteville residents should call 770-461-4548 to seek a burning permit.