Area fire departments were kept busy on Wednesday, which by the way was the opening day of the annual wildfire season.
Tusculum Volunteer firefighters responded early Wednesday night to assist the Greeneville Fire Department along with Tennessee Wildland Fire, on a field of hay and a baler on fire on Morgan Road.
WILDFIRE SEASON INFORMATION
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry (TDF) reminds residents to burn safely and responsibly. Anyone burning leaves or natural debris must obtain a free burn permit from TDF. Permits are only issued when it is safe to burn.
Burn permits are free and available at www.BurnSafeTN.org or by using the MyTN mobile app. Online permits are issued 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. local time. Always obtain a permit on the day you intend to burn any size leaf, brush, or debris pile or conduct prescribed fires. Burning without a permit is a Class C misdemeanor. Leaving a fire unattended is a Class B misdemeanor, and fires must be fully extinguished by the permit’s expiration.
Residents with limited internet access may call 877-350-BURN (2876) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Central. Online applications are encouraged due to high call volume.
Citizens inside city limits should check local regulations before burning.
BETTER COMMUNICATION FOR LOCAL VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENTS
In a somewhat related matter, communication for local volunteer fire departments should be improved, after improvements at the Viking Mountain Tower were completed Wednesday afternoon.
