Burn Permits Still Required Across UC Through May 15

With lawn work increasing, fire officials remind all residents of the region that burn permits are still required through May 15.

Jackson And Putnam County Area Forester Jeff Thompson said permits have been required since October 15 when leaves began to fall. He said many people like to use the early spring for a brush burn.

“Sometimes, in the late spring, like March, April, and early May, we can have some droughts or even some freezes that can drop the leaves,” Thompson said. “So it can still be a little dangerous, so that’s why we have leeway on each side.”

Thompson said during a dry spell or high winds, the area forestry can shut off permits altogether. He said those looking to burn can call the Tennessee Department of Forestry or visit BurnSafeTN.Org to secure a free permit.

“There can still be some leaf piles that have been piled up in the fall and they could start up,” Thompson said. “Things are greening up pretty good right around the Cookeville area, but our district goes all the way down into Chattanooga and sometimes it’ll be a little dryer down there.”

He said permit requirements are state law and the forestry has little pull in when they are required, they just administer them. He offered a reminder that if a permit is purchased, it allows people to burn natural items only. This includes material like leaves, branches, and other brush, nothing processed like cardboard or trash.