Fire pit rules in Sumner County, TN — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Sumner County allows recreational backyard fires and fire pits across its suburban and rural neighborhoods. A contained fire under a spark screen needs no state burn permit, but drought burn bans and city fire codes still apply.
Recreational fires in a pit, chiminea, or barrel fitted with a half-inch mesh spark screen are permitted throughout Sumner County and do not require a Tennessee Division of Forestry burn permit. Keep flames well clear of structures, fences, and overhanging trees, attend the fire until it is fully out, and keep water or an extinguisher within reach. Burn only clean, dry firewood, never trash, leaves, or treated lumber. Gas and propane fire features are unrestricted. During a county drought burn ban, even recreational fires may be suspended. Gallatin, Hendersonville, and Portland add their own fire-code conditions inside city limits.
An escaping fire or burning prohibited materials can bring citations and cost-recovery for suppression. A fire that damages property may support reckless-burning charges under Tenn. Code Ann. §39-14-303. Burn-ban violations carry separate fines.
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