Small backyard cooking, warming, and campfires are permitted in Hamilton County without a burn permit, including during the seasonal ban. They must stay at least 25 feet from structures, be constantly attended, and be fully extinguished afterward.
The APCB classifies campfires, warming fires, and ceremonial fires as recreational fires that are exempt from both the open-burning permit and the May 1–Sept. 30 seasonal ban. Tennessee's fire code (IFC Section 307) sets the safety limits: recreational fires must not be within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material and must be constantly attended with a hose, extinguisher, or water barrel on hand. Burn only clean firewood—no trash, leaves in bulk, or manufactured wood. City ordinances and HOA rules may tighten these limits, and law enforcement can order any fire extinguished if it becomes a nuisance or hazard.
An unattended, oversized, or hazardous backyard fire can be ordered extinguished and cited under the state fire code or local nuisance rules.
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