Nashville, TN (WOKI) – As Tennessee enters its annual wildfire season, state forestry officials are urging residents to take extra precautions when burning outdoors and to obtain required burn permits before lighting any debris fires.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Division of Forestry announced that beginning Oct. 15, Tennesseans must secure a free burn permit before burning leaves, natural debris or conducting prescribed burns.
Officials say the requirement is a critical tool in reducing the number of preventable wildfires across the state.
Most Tennessee Wildfires Are Human-Caused
According to the Division of Forestry, Tennessee averages approximately 1,000 wildfires each year, burning roughly 18,000 acres statewide.
State Forester Heather Slayton said most of those fires could be prevented.
“More than 90 percent of wildfires in Tennessee are caused by human activities, including escaped debris burns,” Slayton said. “That means individual actions matter.”
She encouraged residents to avoid burning during high-risk weather conditions, obtain permits before burning and never leave fires unattended.
Burn Permits Required Beginning Oct. 15
The state’s burn permit system helps forestry officials determine when weather and environmental conditions are safe for outdoor burning.
Permits are issued only when wildfire danger remains at acceptable levels.
Forestry officials may temporarily suspend permit issuance during periods of:
- High winds
- Extremely dry vegetation
- Low humidity
- Elevated wildfire danger
The permits are free and available online through:
- BurnSafeTN.org
- The MyTN mobile app
Permits are issued daily from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and must be obtained on the same day a person plans to burn.
Officials emphasize that burning without a permit is a Class C misdemeanor under Tennessee law.
Burn Safely and Stay With the Fire
The Division of Forestry reminds residents that all outdoor fires must be monitored continuously and fully extinguished before a permit expires.
Officials stress that fires should never be left unattended.
Residents who live within city limits are encouraged to check local ordinances because municipalities may maintain additional restrictions beyond state requirements.
Storm Debris Disposal Alternatives Available
State officials are also encouraging residents cleaning up debris from recent natural disasters, including Winter Storm Fern and Hurricane Helene, to seek alternatives to open burning whenever possible.
Local governments may offer disposal programs that provide safer options for handling storm debris.
Officials also remind residents that certain materials cannot legally be burned and should be disposed of through approved waste management methods.
Wildfire Season Peaks in Fall and Spring
While many people associate wildfires with summer heat, Tennessee’s wildfire season traditionally runs from mid-October through mid-May.
Forestry officials say wildfire activity tends to be highest during the fall and spring months because:
- Humidity levels are lower
- Rainfall is often more limited
- Dry leaves accumulate on the ground
- Dead vegetation becomes highly combustible
During the summer months, wildfire activity is generally lower because vegetation remains green and moisture levels are higher.
Fire Prevention Week Reminder
The announcement coincides with National Fire Prevention Week, giving officials an opportunity to remind Tennesseans that simple precautions can significantly reduce wildfire risk.
Forestry officials urge residents to check weather conditions before burning, maintain clear areas around fires and ensure all flames are completely extinguished before leaving a burn site.
What’s Next
Beginning Oct. 15, anyone planning to burn leaves, brush or natural debris outdoors in Tennessee must obtain a free burn permit. Residents can apply online through BurnSafeTN.org or the MyTN app and are encouraged to follow all safety guidelines to help prevent wildfires during Tennessee’s peak fire season.
