‘You need a permit year ’round to burn in La Follette’- La Follette Fire Chief Jimmy Pack

NASHVILLE, TN (SPECIAL TO WLAF)– To minimize the risk of wildland fires, Tennesseans are reminded that a burn permit from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry (TDF) is required for debris burning from October 15 through May 15.

“Burn permits help us communicate with landowners about when and where it is safe to burn at any given time,” State Forester Heather Slayton said. “Obtaining a permit is vital for keeping our communities and firefighters safe.”

For those planning to burn debris or clear natural yard waste, a burn permit from TDF is mandatory in all counties that allow open burning, unless local restrictions apply. Burning materials like leaves, branches, tree limbs, twigs, and other woody vegetation and yard trimmings is legal with a permit and can be an effective method to manage vegetative waste.

If permits are not being issued in your county or region, it is because conditions are hazardous for burning. Burning without a permit is illegal and can lead to a fine or up to 30 days in jail.

Some municipalities and counties have additional requirements for burning, so always check local rules, especially if you live within city limits.

Permits may be obtained online seven days a week, 8am to 11pm ET, by visiting this website. For residents without internet access, permits are available via phone Monday through Friday, 9am to 5:30pm ET, except for holidays, by calling 877-350-BURN (2876). The phone system may experience a high call volume at times, leading to long wait times, so we encourage all permit applicants to use the online system.

Burn permits are issued for the day on which they are obtained, so plan to get a permit on the day you will burn.

To report illegal burning, contact the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation at 1-888-891-TDEC. If you have tips on intentionally set fires, call the Tennessee Arson Hotline at 1-800-762-3017. It is open 24/7 and callers remain anonymous. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-04/24/2025-6AM-PHOTO SUBMITTED)

Related