Open Burning Causing Issues During Dry Conditions

The Tennessee Forestry Division will not issue anymore burn permits in the Upper Cumberland until it rains.

Putnam County Fire Chief Tom Brown said the county is seeing numerous vegetation fires start this time of year. Brown said no one should be burning right now with high-winds and dry, low humidity conditions.

“It doesn’t take much for wind to blow an ember out or get it in dry grass or dry leaves, that kind of stuff from a burn pile,” Brown said. “Most of what we’re seeing is coming from open burning though, at this point.”

Brown said the decision to stop issuing permits came down from the Forestry Division on Wednesday morning. Tuesday, a Ditty Road fire burnt more than 10 acres and destroyed three vehicles and a boat.

“Wherever you’re burning you need to have a clean area around that,” Brown said. “Of course, if the wind gets up you don’t need to burn. But clean an area out where nothing can burn around your burn pile. Such as, dry grass, leaves that kind of stuff.”

Brown said the Forestry Division issues burn permits on a day-to-day basis, depending on conditions.

“Based on dry conditions, low humidity and the wind is why they had discussed not issuing permits,” Brown said. “Today, tomorrow and probably Friday, until it rains.”

Brown said during the burn permit season, residents outside of municipalities need to get a state permit online. He said Cookeville, Baxter, Monterey and Algood require permits year-round.

Brown said anyone in those cities and towns should contact the non-emergency fire department number.