The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Division of Forestry reminds citizens that our state is heading into fall fire season and a debris burn permit is required for leaf and brush piles beginning October 15.
Burn permits for leaf and brush piles are available at no charge via the MyTN mobile app or online at www.BurnSafeTN.org. Apply the same day you plan to burn. Online permits can be obtained daily from 8 AM to 11 PM Central Time for any size leaf and brush burn pile. Each pile should be completely extinguished by the permit expiration.
The Division of Forestry offers these tips when conducting a debris burn:
~ Check with local authorities to make sure there are no local restrictions on burning currently in place, especially in cities and towns that have their own burning permit system.
~ Get a permit. A permit is required from the Tennessee Division of Forestry between October 15 to May 15 where local restrictions do not supersede.
~ Notify your local fire department and neighbors to let them know your plans to burn.
~ Do not burn on windy days and stay abreast of changing weather conditions.
~ Establish wide control lines down to bare mineral soil at least five feet wide around burn piles.
~ Keep fire containment equipment on hand during the fire
~ Stay with the fire until it is completely out.
For larger broadcast burning, such as forestry, agricultural, and land clearing, call the Division of Forestry burn permit phone number at 877-350-BURN (2876) Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM.
Burning without a permit is a class C misdemeanor and punishable by up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine. Individuals are legally required to stay with their fire until extinguished.
