luminary
By Corey Little

This year’s annual Light Up Brentwood event will take place on Saturday, Dec. 10 with neighborhoods lining their streets with glowing paper bags filled with sand and a light source.

Luminaries have been a holiday tradition enjoyed by Brentwood residents since the 1980s. But this year, the annual tradition comes with a precaution from the city due to the drought conditions Middle Tennessee has been experiencing.

The Brentwood Fire & Rescue Department is strongly discouraging residents from using live flame or candle luminaries.

“Even under the best weather conditions, our crews still respond to leaf and grass fire calls annually as a result of luminary bags catching on fire or blowing over,” Fire Chief Brian Goss said. “While we remain hopeful that our area will receive measurable precipitation before Dec. 10, that is not in the forecast. We ask that you do not use candles in this year’s luminaries.”

The  ity is encouraging residents to use battery operated tea lights for the luminaries, which can be found at most retail stores or online.

“There would be no issue with the current burn ban with these types of lights,” Goss said.

Brentwood City Mayor Regina Smithson encourages residents to celebrate, but to please use caution this year.

“Christmas is that time of the year to meet new neighbors and catch up with the ones you know,” she said. “However, we strongly recommend that this year’ luminaries do not include live flame candles for safety in these drought conditions.”

In case of rain, Sunday, Dec. 11 will be the alternate date. Each neighborhood makes the final decision on luminary postponement.

Samantha Hearn reports for Home Page Media Group. She can be reached via email at samantha@brentwoodhomepage.com.