NASHVILLE – Forestry officials are reminding Tennessee residents about burn permit rules ahead of the official start of the state’s wildfire season.
The state Division of Forestry says getting a burn permit is free, but there are rules.
The division’s online system accepts permit applications for burning a leaf or brush pile smaller than 8 feet by 8 feet in size. Larger burns require a call to the forestry division.
More than 300,000 permits are issued in Tennessee each year. Burning without a permit is punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a fine. Wildfires caused by arson are punishable by three to 15 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
Tennessee’s forestry division says wildfire season begins Oct. 15.
Information can be found at www.BurnSafeTN.org.
In addition to a forestry permit, Hamilton County residents will need to obtain a burning permit from the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Bureau.
The charge is either $10 or $60, depending on where you live in the county. More information is available at www.apcb.org or by calling 423-643-5970.