Fire Regulations in Knox County, TN (2026)
5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Knox County, Tennessee.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires
Backyard campfires and bonfires are allowed in Knox County as recreational fires without an open-burning permit. Keep them attended, away from structures, and burn only clean wood. From Oct 15 to May 15 a free TN Forestry burn permit is required for fires near woodland.
Backyard Recreational Fire Rules in Knox County, TN
Some RestrictionsKnox County Air Quality - Open Burning (allowed without permit)
Recreational or Ceremonial fires (e.g., campfires, bonfires, etc.) are allowed without a permit.
Fireworks
Knox County bans fireworks, firecrackers and torpedoes in every county park under Sec. 27-3(4) of the Code of Ordinances. The same subsection also bars unpermitted firearms, slingshots and other missile-propelling devices, treating them all as one public-safety hazard punishable as a misdemeanor.
Fireworks Banned in Knox County Parks
Significant RestrictionsKnox County Code § 27-3(4)
It shall be unlawful and constitutes a misdemeanor for any person within county parks to: ... (4) Explosives, firearms and weapons. Bring into or have in his possession in any park any firearms (with the exception of those persons with a duly issued, current handgun carry permit issued by the state), slingshots, firecrackers, torpedoes, fireworks or other missile propelling instruments or explo...
Outdoor Burning
Knox County restricts open burning through its Air Quality Management program. A residential land-management permit lets you burn onsite brush under 3 inches in diameter, only between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., with all flames out by 4 p.m. Leaves, trash, and construction debris cannot be burned.
Open Burning Rules in Knox County, TN
Some RestrictionsKnox County Air Quality Management - Open Burning Permit
Burning hours are from 9:00am to 3:00pm. 7 days a week, and all flames and smoke must be completely out by 4:00pm daily. Piles being burned can be no larger than 144 cubic feet each. All fires must be maintained at least 50 ft from any structure.
Smoke Detectors
Knox County's 2018 Life Safety Code amendments require a fire alarm detection system with smoke or heat detectors in any multiple-occupancy building where at least one occupancy is residential and people sleep. Sec. 30-57 places detectors in every bedroom, in corridors serving sleeping areas, and on every apartment level, reviewed by Codes Administration before installation.
Multi-Unit Smoke Detection Rule in Knox County
Some RestrictionsKnox County Code § 30-57 (2018 Life Safety Code amendment, Section 6.1.14.1.4)
Add a new section as follows: "Section 6.1.14.1.4 All multiple occupancies of which at least one of the occupancies is of residential use, in which occupants sleep shall be equipped with a fire alarm detection system installed in accordance with LSC 9.6 and NFPA 72. Smoke or heat detection (depending on the areas to be protected and the use of the area) shall be installed in the following locat...
Propane Storage
Knox County's fire code requires propane cylinders, gas meters and electrical devices to sit at least 15 feet from a building's fire department connection under Sec. 30-32, Section 912.2.3 of the locally amended 2018 International Fire Code. The rule targets sprinklered buildings with an FDC, not detached residential tanks.
Propane Cylinder Clearance From FDCs, Knox County
Some RestrictionsKnox County Code § 30-32 (2018 IFC Amendments), Section 912.2.3
Section 912.2 Location. Add a new section as follows: Section 912.2.3 Hazards. Gas meters, propane cylinders, electrical devices or any other product or device that could become a fire, explosion or electrical hazard shall be located a minimum of 15 feet from connections.
Fire Regulations by City in Knox County
1 cities in Knox County have their own fire regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Knox County ordinances
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