Friday, October 13, 2017

Burn permits required starting Monday
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry is observing National Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 8-14) by reminding citizens to follow simple safety practices to prevent wildfires. The official start of wildfire season in Tennessee is Monday, Oct. 15. It's important, and required by law from October 15, to May 15, 2018, that citizens call for a burning permit and follow outdoor burning safety recommendations. Tennessee experienced a historic fall fire season last year due to exceptional drought conditions. The permit system allows state fire officials to communicate to the public when and where it is safe to burn and focuses attention on safety. The online burn permit system is free, fast and simple. If you are burning a leaf or brush pile that is smaller than 8 feet by 8 feet in size, log on to www.BurnSafeTN.org for approval. More than 300,000 permits are issued each year, and the online system provides a quick and efficientway to apply. For a larger burn, apply for a free permit by calling your local Division of Forestry burn permit phone number Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. In Cocke County the number for a burn permit is....423-623-1077.In Jefferson County the number is 865-475-3467. Burn permits are issued only when conditions are conducive to safe burning. Burning without a permit is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine. Wildfires caused by arson are a felony punishable by 3 to 15 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. Anyone with information about suspected arson activity should call the state Fire Marshal's Arson Hotline at 1-800-762-3017. The hotline is answered 24 hours a day, and you may remain anonymous when providing information. Cash awards are offered for information leading to an arrest or conviction.


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