Burn permits now required until May, TN Department of Forestry says

JACKSON, Tenn. — With bonfire season in full swing, the Tennessee Department of Forestry is now requiring burn permits.

As of Wednesday, the Tennessee Department of Forestry requires burn permits from October 15 until May 15 for controlled and intentional fires.

The department says that the permit system is a way to let people know about when, where, and how it is safe to burn.

Madison County Fire Chief Eric Turner describes what local residents will now have to go through the state to obtain a burn permit.

“It’s a big change, it’s gonna to be a change for everyone that lives outside city limits in Madison County that they’ll have to obtain those permits through the State Forestry,” said Chief Turner.

The department as well says that the primary cause of wildfires in Tennessee is careless fires and that fires can be an effective tool when used properly.

However, fires can be disastrous if safety precautions are not taken.

Chief Turner also tells us some fire safety tips to keep you safe while burning fires outdoors.

“Not leaving a fire if you can keep from it once you have one burning outside you know and be mindful of the conditions outside if it’s too windy especially in these super dry conditions like we are experiencing now,” said Chief Turner.

As of Thursday, there are no overall ban on fire burning in Tennessee. To learn more on how to get a burn permit, click here.

For more news across the state, click here.