Tennessee Lifts Burn Ban as Fire Danger Eases Statewide

The Tennessee Division of Forestry suspended burn permits through April 12th due to elevated wildfire dangers from prolonged dry conditions, implementing a temporary ban on outdoor burning as a precautionary measure. The suspension affected all open-air burning activities including leaf and woody debris, construction burning, campfires, outdoor grills, and burn barrels across unincorporated areas of the state. Under state law, the Commissioner of Agriculture, in consultation with the state forester, has authority to issue such bans at the request of county mayors when weather conditions warrant heightened fire risk.

The Division of Forestry operates 25 Remote Automatic Weather Stations strategically positioned across Tennessee to monitor drought conditions and rate fire danger in real time. These monitoring systems provide critical data that guides decisions about burn restrictions and help land management agencies track weather trends and air quality. The agency emphasized the importance of residents waiting until fire danger subsides before disposing of yard material through burning.

Permit requirements for debris burning remain in effect through May 15th under normal conditions, requiring Tennesseans to obtain authorization before conducting any open-air burning outside municipal limits where local ordinances apply. The Division of Forestry continues to recommend alternative disposal methods for yard waste during periods of elevated fire risk, prioritizing public safety across Tennessee's communities.