“Open Burning” is the burning of any matter under such conditions that products of combustion are emitted directly into the open atmosphere without passing directly through a stack. Open burning includes, but is not limited to, fires located or burning in a pile on the ground, a barrel, a fire pit, or other semi-enclosure. The use of an air curtain destructor or air curtain incinerator is considered incineration subject to the permitting requirements of Rule Chapter 1200-3-9, and is explicitly not considered open burning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When do I need a Tennessee Department of Forestry Permit?
A: Forestry permits must be obtained between October 15th and May 15th
Q: How do I obtain a Forestry permit?
A: To obtain a burn permit, call 615-791-6200. Your information will be obtained by the county and then you will be directed to contact state forestry for permit numbers.
Q: What can I burn?
A: Tennessee regulations only allow you to open burn natural substances such as leaves, limbs, or untreated lumber.
Burns that are exempt from open burning regulations:
- Non-commercial cooking fires (e.g. barbecue grills).
- Ceremonial Fires (e.g. bonfires).
- Recreational or comfort heating fires (e.g. campfires).
- Fires containing only vegetation grown on the burn site property.
- Fires disposing of untreated wood waste (e.g., sawmill slabs and clean wooden pallets). Note: lumber products containing glue (plywood,fiberboard, particleboard, paneling, tc),vegetation not grown on the burn site,painted or stained wood,chemically-treated wood (pressure-treated lumber, etc),paper, and cardboard, are not considered “wood waste”, and shall not be burned.
Contact Fire Prevention with any questions via email @ fireprevention@wcfire.com.
