Thursday, May 31, 2007

Forestry Authorities Urge Caution When Burning

   Although what is typically considered to be “wildfire season” in the region has passed, forestry authorities urge residents to exercise extreme caution when conducting outdoor burning.

   Wildfire season for the area is considered to run from October 15 to May 15 annually. This year, however, officials with the National Weather Service indicate that counties within the Middle Tennessee area have fallen between eight and twelve inches short of the normal rainfall rate.

   Open-air burning permits are not required at this particular time, however officials with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Division of Forestry urge residents to check with their local forestry division offices in order to ensure that no local burning restrictions have been imposed.

   Use common sense, authorities warn, if you must burn outdoors.

   There does not appear to be any relief on the horizon. Weather forecasters predict that, within the next seven days, the greatest chance for a shower is 30%.

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