Do You Need a Burn Permit in Tennessee?

Do I need a burn permit in Tennessee? This is a common question among residents and visitors alike, especially during wildfire season. Understanding Tennessee's burn permit requirements can help you ensure your safety and comply with the law. Let's dive into the details.

Tennessee's Division of Forestry oversees permits for open air burning. But does every fire require a permit? Not necessarily. Let's break down the regulations and determine when you'll need a permit.

When a Burn Permit is Required

In Tennessee, a burn permit is required for any open air burning, with a few exceptions. This includes burning yard waste, debris, or campfires. However, the type and source of fuel, as well as the size of the fire, can influence the need for a permit.

It's crucial to note that burning of construction or demolition materials, roofing, or household garbage is strictly prohibited without specific permission from the Division of Forestry.

Size and Type of Fire

A permit is required for fires that involve burning Debbie leaves, limbs, or brush, regardless of size. This includes burning in fire rings or pits at campgrounds and recreational areas. However, small fires for briquettes or charcoal (like those in gas grills) typically don't require a permit.

Fires involving larger fuels, such as whole trees, require a permit regardless of size. For fires involving grosse fuels (like logs or stumps), permits are required for fires larger than four feet in diameter or five feet in height.

Daily Permit Requirements

Tennessee's burn permit system requires that permits be obtained for each day of burning. This includes if you're burning debris over multiple days. You can obtain a permit online, through the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency's (TWRA) burn permit system, or by calling the TWRA's centralized burn permit issued. The online system is typically the most convenient and efficient method.

It's essential to have the permit number readily available whenever you're burning, as TWRA personnel may check the number to ensure compliance.

When a Burn Permit is Not Required

In certain situations, a burn permit is not required in Tennessee. These exceptions include:

• Campfires at designated campsites within state and federal parks, forests, and wildlife management areas.
• Fires in established fire rings or pits at developed recreational facilities.
• Small fires for cooking orheat (like gas grills, briquettes, or charcoal) in designated areas.
• Fires used for welding, oxyacetylene work, or other similar tasks.

Private Land Burning

On private property, a burn permit is required unless the landowner has obtained prior approval from the Division of Forestry. This approval, known as an Exemption from Open Air Burning Requirements, allows landowners to burn without obtaining a daily permit.

To obtain an exemption, landowners must demonstrate that they have developed and implemented a written wildfire management plan. This plan should includedesigned before being submitted to the Division of Forestry for approval.

Public Burning Restrictions

Even with a burn permit, open air burning is prohibited in urban or residential areas, and in areas where the fire could potentially reach cultivated crops, woodlands, or forests. Burning is also prohibited when weather conditions make it unsafe for open burning (such as during a severe drought).

Check the TWRA's website or call their burn permit line for daily updates on burning status and restrictions due to weather conditions.

In conclusion, understanding Tennessee's burn permit requirements is vital for ensuring safety and complying with the law. Don't let a preventable fire or improper burning practices ruin your outdoor experience or endanger your property. Always check the most recent regulations and obtain the necessary permits before lighting a fire. Happy and safe burning!