Firefighters in Cumberland County were busy yesterday responding to out-of-control blazes.

Crews responded to fires on the 500 block of Bristow Road, the 700 block of Mayland Road, the 400 block of Blackfoot Drive in Lake Tansi, and the 500 block of Baxter Norris Road in Crab Orchard.

Fire officials remind citizens that burn permits are required through May 15, 2024.

Anyone starting an open-air fire within 500 feet of a forest, grassland, or woodland must secure a burning permit from the Division of Forestry. Permits are not required for burning in containers such as a metal barrel with a ½” mesh screen cover.

Anyone needing to burn within an incorporated city should contact city authorities about local burning ordinances.

Online permits may be obtained daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. in Eastern and Central time zones (based on your location) for any size leaf and/or brush burn pile, as well as prescribed fires and broadcast burning, such as for forestry, agricultural, or land clearing applications. Each fire should be completely extinguished by the permit expiration.

Residents may call the Division of Forestry burn permit phone number at 877-350-BURN (2876) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Central.