Backyard burning is allowed in Rutherford County for natural yard debris only. From October 15 to May 15 you need a free Division of Forestry permit, one person must stay at the fire the entire time, and household garbage may never be burned.
Rutherford County's open-burning guidance sums up backyard burning simply: burn only natural vegetation grown on-site, such as leaves, branches, trees, stumps, and grass clippings. A person must remain present for the full length of the burn. During the October 15-May 15 fire season a free permit from the Division of Forestry is required before lighting. Household garbage that cannot be recycled must go to a permitted landfill or county convenience center, not a backyard fire. City residents in Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and La Vergne should also check municipal limits, which can be stricter than the county.
Leaving a fire unattended or burning prohibited materials can bring fire-code and nuisance citations; escaped fires expose you to Air Quality Act civil penalties up to $25,000 per day.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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See how Rutherford County's backyard fires rules stack up against other locations.
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