The Roane County (TN) Office of Emergency Services & Homeland Security has extended burn restrictions through April 20, 2026. No new burn permits are being issued due to increasing elevated and hazardous fire weather conditions, including dry weather, low humidity, warm temperatures, and breezy winds that heighten wildfire risk.

In Tennessee, outdoor debris burning (brush, leaves, logs, etc.) normally requires a permit from mid-October through mid-May. These restriction, while short of a full burn ban, mean residents cannot legally burn vegetation or debris until conditions improve, typically after significant rainfall.

While small activities like using a backyard fire pit or charcoal grill for cooking are generally still allowed (with extreme caution and constant supervision), all permitted open burning is paused. Officials urge residents to postpone any debris burning and monitor updates from Roane County Emergency Services or the Tennessee Division of Forestry, as the restrictions could change with incoming weather.