Williamson County, TN Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Williamson 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 (BurnSafeTN.org)
- Never Burn
- Garbage, tires, treated wood
- No Permit
- Fires under 1/2" screen
Summary
Outdoor burning in Williamson County requires a Tennessee Division of Forestry permit from October 15 to May 15 for leaf and debris piles. Burning household garbage, tires, and treated wood is always prohibited, and city limits are more restrictive.
From October 15 through May 15, a burn permit from the Tennessee Division of Forestry (TDF) is required for debris pile fires and prescribed fires.
Full Breakdown
From October 15 through May 15, anyone burning leaf piles or woody debris in Williamson County must obtain a free burn permit from the Tennessee Division of Forestry, available at BurnSafeTN.org or 877-350-BURN. Permits set safe conditions and may be denied on high-risk days. Burning household garbage, tires, plastics, and treated or painted wood is banned year-round under TDEC open-burning rules. Contained recreational fires and small barrel fires under a screen are exempt. Franklin, Brentwood, and Spring Hill restrict or prohibit open burning within city limits, so suburban residents should rely on curbside brush and yard-waste collection instead.
Violations & Fines
Burning without a required permit is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a fine not to exceed $50. TDEC open-burning violations carry far steeper civil penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to burn leaves?
Can I burn household trash?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Williamson County
How Williamson County compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Williamson County to another location·View the Tennessee fire regulations overview
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