Burn permits required as forest fire season arrives
JACKSON, Tenn. — As mid-October marks the start of forest fire season, Tennessee residents now must obtain a permit for open, outdoor burning. During the official season, Oct. 15 through May 15, state law requires citizens to obtain a burning permit, according to a release from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry. Citizens can obtain a verbal burning permit by calling their local Division of Forestry office, listed in the phone directory under state government, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, according to the release. Permits are usually good for 24 hours and can be issued for weekends. A directory of state forestry offices by county can be found by visiting www.tennessee.gov/agriculture/forestry and then clicking on Fire Information then Burning Permits. During fire season, anyone burning without a permit is subject to a Class C misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine not to exceed $50, according to the release.
