Knox County, TN Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Knox 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
- Brush permit
- Free residential land-mgmt permit
- Burn hours
- 9 a.m.-3 p.m., out by 4 p.m.
- Pile size limit
- 144 cubic feet maximum
- Distance
- 50 ft from any structure
- Forestry permit
- Required Oct 15-May 15
Summary
Knox County restricts open burning through its Air Quality Management program. A residential land-management permit lets you burn onsite brush under 3 inches in diameter, only between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., with all flames out by 4 p.m. Leaves, trash, and construction debris cannot be burned.
Burning hours are from 9:00am to 3:00pm. 7 days a week, and all flames and smoke must be completely out by 4:00pm daily. Piles being burned can be no larger than 144 cubic feet each. All fires must be maintained at least 50 ft from any structure.
Full Breakdown
Knox County Air Quality Management regulates open burning countywide. Cooking and recreational fires need no permit, but burning yard brush requires a free residential land-management permit and is limited to material grown onsite, 3 inches or less in diameter. Grass clippings, leaves, stumps, paper, plastic, cardboard, household garbage, and construction materials (lumber, pallets, insulation, tires) are prohibited. Piles may not exceed 144 cubic feet (about 6x6x4 feet), must stay 50 feet from any structure, and must be attended at all times. Separately, from October 15 through May 15, the Tennessee Division of Forestry also requires a debris-burn permit for outdoor fires near woodland.
Violations & Fines
Illegal open burning is enforced by Knox County Air Quality (865-215-5900) with civil penalties up to $25,000 per day per violation; burning without a required Forestry permit is a Class C misdemeanor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn leaves in Knox County?
What hours can I burn brush?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Knox County
How Knox County compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Knox County to another location·View the Tennessee fire regulations overview
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