KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — On Tuesday, the Tennessee Division of Forestry implemented its burn permit requirement. It will be in effect until mid-May.
A permit is required to burn small debris in yards like leaves and sticks. Officials said following the permit rules is critical to protecting East Tennessee from wildfires.
“Escape debris fires are one of the leading causes of debris fires across the country and in Tennessee specifically," said Megan Carpenter with the state's forestry division. "And that's why the permit system is a really important piece of our wildfire prevention strategy here in Tennessee.”
Dryer fall weather makes it easier for fires to spread, Carpenter explained.
"By the time we get to fall, [leaves] are dried out, on the ground and all of a sudden we have a carpet of fuel that can go up very easily," she said.
Most counties in the state need to get a permit from the Division of Forestry, but some, including Knox County, have their own jurisdictions.
Knox County residents who live outside of Knoxville city limits have to apply through the Air Quality Division, said Mark Wilbanks of the Knoxville Fire Department.
But no debris fire burning is allowed within city limits, he explained.
“Those can be dangerous because they can affect infrastructure within the city such as the cell towers that are on the ridge, the radio towers, television towers, things like that," Wilbanks said. "Or even people’s homes and other structures.”
Burn permits are not necessary for campfires, cooking fires, fireplaces or wood-burning stoves. Permits are only required for fires that are burning things like leaves, sticks and other debris.
More information about burn permits across the state can be found here.