State Forestry Has Burn Permit Reminder

There have been several brush fires in East Tennessee lately. That has led the state of Tennessee Department of Agriculture Forestry Division to remind residents that burn permits are required through the middle of May. State Forester Heather Slayton says “Fire prevention starts with each of us practicing safe burning and only burning when it’s safe. The burn permit process communicates to residents the safe locations and times for open burning”.

Permits are available for burning leaf and/or brush piles and for prescribed fires, including broadcast burning for various purposes such as land clearing, forestry, and agricultural applications.

Burn permits are free and can be obtained quickly and easily at www.BurnSafeTN.org or by using the MyTN mobile app. Online permits are issued 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. These permits are for one day only, so you need to apply for a permit the same day you plan to burn. Burning without a permit is a crime that carries penalties of up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine.

Burn permits are required in Tennessee through May 15.