From October 15 through May 15, anyone starting an open-air fire within 500 feet of a forest, grassland, or woodland must by law secure a burning permit from the Tennessee Division of Forestry.  The Wilson County EMA needs to know where controlled burns take place, in the event of the fire growing out of control, or a passerby calls in unknowing of the situation.

The following tips should be followed when it is safe to conduct a debris burn:

• Always check with local authorities to make sure there are no local restrictions on burning currently in place, especially in cities and towns that have their own burning permit system.

• Always notify your local fire department and neighbors to let them know your plans to burn

• Do not burn on windy days

• Do not burn on days that the relative humidity drops below 30%

  • Find your humidity level (click on county): www.weather.gov/Nashville

• Stay abreast of changing weather conditions

• Establish wide control lines down to bare mineral soil at least five feet wide around burn piles

• Keep fire containment equipment on hand during the fire (e.g. rake, shovel, water)

• Stay with the fire until it is completely out.

Are you unsure of what to burn, or not to burn?  Click here for clarification:

Burning anything unnatural could result in response from the US EPA, which in most cases results in massive fines.

Thank you and be safe burning.