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.
Knox County Air Quality lists 'recreational or ceremonial fires (e.g., campfires, bonfires)' among the burns allowed without a permit, so backyard fires for warmth or gathering are legal. You may burn only clean, untreated wood; leaves, trash, pallets, and construction debris are prohibited. Under the adopted 2018 International Fire Code, a recreational fire must stay 25 feet from structures and be attended until fully out. Separately, the Tennessee Division of Forestry requires a free debris-burn permit from October 15 through May 15 for open-air fires near forest, grassland, or woodland. Larger bonfires may need a fire-marshal permit under the fire code.
Unattended or unsafe fires can be abated by the fire marshal; burning prohibited materials draws Air Quality penalties (up to $25,000/day); burning without a required Forestry permit is a Class C misdemeanor.
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See how Knox County's backyard fires rules stack up against other locations.
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