Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Rutherford County

Rutherford County, TN Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Outdoor burning rules in Rutherford County, TN, also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance, set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.

Key Facts

Permit season
October 15 to May 15
Permit cost
Free from Division of Forestry
Burn line
1-877-350-2876 / BurnSafeTN.org
Allowed material
On-site natural vegetation only
Attendance
One person present throughout

Summary

In Rutherford County you may burn natural wood debris outdoors, but from October 15 through May 15 you must first get a free permit from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Division of Forestry. Only leaves, branches, and other natural vegetation may be burned.

City-specific rules exist: Murfreesboro has its own outdoor burning rules that differ from Rutherford County's county-level regulations. If you live in Murfreesboro, check the city-specific page instead.

Between October 15 and May 15 every year, state law requires citizens to obtain a permit from the Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry before conducting any open burning of wood debris.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Rutherford County follows the statewide debris-burning framework. During fire season (October 15-May 15), a Division of Forestry permit is mandatory before any open burning of wood debris; permits are free and issued by calling 1-877-350-2876 or at BurnSafeTN.org, and are valid only for the day issued. Prohibited materials include tires, shingles, treated wood, construction debris, plastics, and paper; only vegetation grown on-site may be burned. At least one person must stay at the burn the entire time. City residents should check municipal restrictions, which may be stricter.

Violations & Fines

Air Quality Act violations can bring civil penalties up to $25,000 per day regardless of burn size; burning without a required permit is also a fire-code offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to burn brush in Rutherford County?
Yes, from October 15 to May 15 a free Division of Forestry permit is required before open burning of wood debris. Outside that window a permit is not required by the state.
Can I burn trash or construction debris?
No. Only natural vegetation grown on-site may be burned. Tires, treated wood, shingles, plastics, and household garbage are prohibited and must go to a permitted landfill or convenience center.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Rutherford County

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsFire Pits & Backyard FiresSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsBrush ClearanceSome RestrictionsFireworksSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome Restrictions

All Rutherford County rules

How Rutherford County compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Rutherford County to another location·View the Tennessee fire regulations overview

Get notified when Outdoor Burning in Rutherford County, TN changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Outdoor Burning in Cities Across Rutherford County

Murfreesboro, TN