Knox County, TN Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Knox County, TN, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Campfire permit
- Not required (recreational)
- Clearance
- 25 ft from structures (IFC)
- Fuel
- Clean wood only, no trash
- Forestry permit
- Required Oct 15-May 15
- Supervision
- Attend until fully out
Summary
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.
Recreational or Ceremonial fires (e.g., campfires, bonfires, etc.) are allowed without a permit.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
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.
Violations & Fines
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are backyard campfires legal in Knox County?
Do I ever need a permit for a backyard fire?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Knox County
How Knox County compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Knox County to another location·View the Tennessee fire regulations overview
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