Thursday, October 16, 2014
Burn Permits Now Required For Outdoor Burning
The Tennessee Department of Forestry is reminding residents that burn permits are now required for any outdoor burning.
Burn permits are required in Tennessee between the dates of October 15 and May 15 each year.
They generally cover a twenty-four hour period. Weekend permits may be obtained on Fridays.
Burning permits focus attention on safe use of fire. Anyone starting an open-air fire within 500 feet of a forest, grassland, or woodland must by law secure a burning permit from the Division of Forestry. Permits are not required for burning in containers such as a metal barrel with a 1/2” mesh screen cover.
Permits are free of charge and may be obtained by calling 1-877-350-BURN (2876). For small debris burning you also have the option of filling out an online permit at www.BurnSafeTN.org.
Those wishing to obtain a state burn permit are reminded to check with local authorities to determine whether any county or city mandated stipulations exist. Many towns and cities have their own burning regulations that supersede the Division of Forestry’s burning permit program.
Permits will not be issued on days and in locations if it is considered unsafe to conduct a debris burn.
Hours
The following tips should be followed when it is safe to conduct a debris burn:
