Tennessee Wildfire Hazard Season and Forestry Authority

TCA Title 11, Chapter 4 establishes the Division of Forestry's authority to protect state and private forestlands from wildfire. The annual wildfire hazard season runs October 15 through May 15 under TCA 11-4-104, requiring burn permits for outdoor debris burning. The State Forester may issue emergency burn bans during severe drought under TCA 11-4-105. Counties may petition for or impose stricter local restrictions but cannot weaken state requirements. Tennessee does not designate WUI zones the way western states do, but forestry districts coordinate prevention efforts with local fire departments statewide.

Violating a state-issued burn ban is a Class C misdemeanor with fines up to $50, plus restitution for suppression costs.