LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – On June 1, the City of La Follette’s addition of Chapter 6, adopting open burning regulation and permitting, to the fire code went into effect.

Ordinance No. 2021-04 basically breaks down into six categories; no permit needed, a permit required, how to obtain a permit, a prohibited burn list and fines.

“For fires like cooking food, roasting marshmallows, ceremonial or recreational purposes, including barbecues and outdoor fireplaces, you don’t need a permit,” said La Follette Fire Chief Jimmy Pack. “Outside of that, you’ll need a permit,” added Pack.

Open burning in La Follette is allowed when a valid permit is obtained from the LFD by calling 423.562.3340. However, five conditions must always be met.

1 – Open burning shall be between the hours of 7am and dusk.

2 – All fires shall be completely extinguished by dusk.

3 – The fires may never be left unattended.

4 – Burn piles shall be no bigger than 8-feet by 8-feet and no more than 4-feet in height.

5 – No stumps shall be burned in the City.

To obtain a permit, applicants need to call the LFD at 423.562.3340. Chief Pack points out that there’s no fee for an open burning permit. “All permits issued must be displayed while the open burning is in progress,” said Pack.

There is a laundry list of items and products that is strictly prohibited from burning within the City of La Follette. Some of the items include tires, vinyl siding, asphalt shingles, paint, building material, household trash and more. You can see the full list HERE.

Violations of the provision may be punishable by a civil penalty of no more than $50. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 06/10/2021-6AM)

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