TENNESSEE RESIDENTS URGED TO BURN SAFELY AND RESPONSIBLY DURING WILDFIRE SEASON
As Tennessee enters its wildfire season during National Fire Prevention Week, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry (TDF) urges residents to burn safely and responsibly, requiring a free burn permit for burning leaves or natural debris starting October 15.
With around 1,000 wildland fires annually, burning approximately 18,000 acres—over 90% human-caused—and increased debris from Hurricane Helene, obtaining a burn permit, which is issued only when conditions are safe, is critical to reducing wildfire risks. Permits are available online at www.BurnSafeTN.org or via the MyTN app from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, and must be obtained on the day of burning, as burning without a permit is a Class C misdemeanor, and leaving a fire unattended is a Class B misdemeanor.
Residents with limited internet access can call 877-350-BURN during weekday business hours, though online applications are preferred due to high call volumes. Those in city limits should verify local regulations, and non-burning disposal options for debris are encouraged. For more on burning restrictions and illegal materials, visit www.tn.gov/environment/air/open-burning.html or call 1-888-891-TDEC to report illegal burning.
Tips for safe burning are available at www.BurnSafeTN.org and @TNWildlandFire on social media.
