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Now that warmer weather is springing up across the state and an increasing number of people are burning yard and farm debris as a way to get rid of yard waste, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Division of Forestry is reminding citizens that if they plan to burn outdoors, a burn permit is required through May 15 in most counties.

“Debris burning can be a good tool for residents to clean up their yards, farms and rural properties of vegetative waste,” State Forester David Arnold said. “We encourage all residents to use caution while conducting a burn. Free burn permits can quickly be obtained online any day, and are our way of communicating with landowners when, where, and how to burn safely.”

Materials that can be burned include leaves, branches, tree limbs, twigs, and other woody vegetation and yard trimmings gathered on site.

Debris burn permits for leaf and brush piles of any size are available online at no charge. For broadcast burning, such as forestry, agricultural and land clearing, call your local Division of Forestry burn permit phone number Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to  4:30 p.m. The online system for permits and phone numbers can be found at www.BurnSafeTN.org. 

Permits are issued only when conditions are conducive to safe burning. If you live inside city limits there may be additional restrictions. Check with your municipality before you burn.

A list of materials that may not be burned can be found in the open burning guidelines from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. 

Burning without a permit is a serious offense that can result in a fine and/or up to 30 days in jail. To report illegal burning, call 1-888-891-TDEC. If you have information about an intentionally set fire, call the Tennessee Arson Hotline number at 1-800-762-3017. The hotline is answered 24 hours a day, and you may remain anonymous when providing information. You could earn a cash reward from the Tennessee Advisory Committee on Arson and the Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Office. 

Visit www.BurnSafeTN.org for additional tips to burn safely and to protect your community.