Beginning October 15th, individuals wishing to burn leaves or natural vegetation, including debris resulting from Hurricane Helene, must obtain a complimentary burn permit from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Division of Forestry (TDF). Permits are only issued when conditions are deemed safe for burning. In instances where hazardous conditions arise, such as high winds or severe drought, the TDF will temporarily halt the issuance of burn permits to ensure public safety. Once conditions improve, the process for obtaining permits will resume.
Those interested in securing a burn permit can do so at no cost through the MyTN mobile application or by visiting the website www.BurnSafeTN.org. Permits are available online daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. It is essential to obtain permission on the day you plan to conduct a prescribed fire or burn any brush, leaves, or debris. Furthermore, all fires must be completely extinguished by the time the permit expires, and it is crucial that no fire is left unattended at any time. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in a Class C misdemeanor charge for burning without a permit, which carries legal consequences.