Tennessee Statewide Rule
Tennessee Outdoor Burning Permit and Wildfire Season Rules
Key Facts
- Permit Season
- Oct 15 to May 15
- Statute
- TCA 39-14-304
- Permit Cost
- Free
- Banned Materials
- Tires, garbage, shingles
Summary
Tennessee Division of Forestry requires burn permits during wildfire season for any outdoor burning of leaves, brush, or debris, with criminal liability for escaped fires.
It is unlawful for any person to start an open-air fire between October 15 and May 15, inclusive, within five hundred feet (500') of any forest, grasslands or woodlands without first securing a permit from the state forester or the state forester's duly authorized representative. Depending upon the potential for hazardous burning conditions, the state forester may prescribe a period other than October 15 to May 15 within which a permit must be obtained prior to starting an open-air fire.
Full Breakdown
Under TCA 39-14-304, anyone who starts a fire on lands of another, or whose negligently set fire spreads, commits a Class A misdemeanor. TCA 11-4-104 authorizes the Division of Forestry to require burn permits between October 15 and May 15 each year, the official wildfire hazard season. Permits are free and obtainable online or by phone. Burning household garbage, tires, treated wood, and shingles is prohibited under air pollution rules at TCA 68-201-115. Counties cannot waive state burn permit requirements but may impose additional restrictions or burn bans.
Violations & Penalties
Burning without a required permit during wildfire season is a Class C misdemeanor; escaped fires can be Class A misdemeanors with restitution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a burn permit in Tennessee?
Can I burn household trash?
Sources
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