Shelby County, TN Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Shelby 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
- Baseline rule
- Open burning prohibited; permit needed
- Permitting agency
- Memphis-Shelby County Health Dept.
- County code authority
- Shelby County code 3-16
- Permit fee
- $100 (24-hr advance notice)
- Allowed material
- On-site trees and brush only
Summary
Open burning in Shelby County is prohibited except by permit. The Memphis and Shelby County Health Department Air Pollution Control Section issues burn permits under Shelby County (3-16) and Memphis City (16-50) air codes. Only on-site trees and brush may burn; a $100 fee applies.
Open burning in Shelby County is prohibited. Exceptions can be granted under specific conditions which do not interfere with the maintenance of acceptable air quality or create a public nuisance. Only trees and brush from the burn site may be burned. Material may not be hauled in from other sites.
Full Breakdown
Open burning in Shelby County is prohibited, though exceptions can be granted under conditions that do not harm air quality or create a public nuisance. The Memphis and Shelby County Health Department's Air Pollution Control Section operates under Memphis City code (16-50) or Shelby County code (3-16) and works with fire departments to issue permits. To burn in the unincorporated county, contact the Health Department (901-544-7349) at least 24 hours ahead; a $100 permit is required, and it schedules a Fire Department inspection. Only trees and brush from the burn site may be burned; construction debris, furniture, plastic, tires, and roofing must not be. The state Division of Forestry also requires a debris-burn permit October 15 to May 15.
Violations & Fines
The Health Department may fine violators of permit conditions up to $25,000 per violation and revoke permits for excessive smoke. Burning without a required state Division of Forestry permit (Oct. 15-May 15) is a Class C misdemeanor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn yard debris in unincorporated Shelby County?
What can I legally burn?
Do I also need a state burn permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Shelby County
How Shelby County compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Shelby County to another location·View the Tennessee fire regulations overview
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