How Tennessee's Burn Permit System Works
Tennessee's spring wildfire season (February through April) accounts for the majority of the state's annual fire acres. The combination of dormant leaf litter, low humidity, and March winds creates conditions identical to Virginia and West Virginia's dangerous spring windows. The Tennessee Division of Forestry's county ranger system mirrors the approach used across the southern Appalachians: local rangers who know their terrain, issue permits by phone, and respond quickly to escaped fires. Tennessee's geography amplifies fire risk. The state's eastern mountains — the Great Smoky Mountains, the Cumberland Plateau, the Ridge and Valley — create complex terrain where fires move rapidly uphill and through narrow hollows. The 2016 Chimney Tops 2 Fire, which devastated Gatlinburg, originated from escaped human-caused ignition during abnormally dry conditions. That event underscores why the spring permit requirement matters. Outside the February 15–April 30 window, Tennessee doesn't require a state permit for general residential burning. Local ordinances govern year-round in incorporated areas — Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga all have local rules that restrict or prohibit open burning within city limits.
Getting Your Tennessee Burn Permit
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Permit Agency | Tennessee Division of Forestry |
| Phone | (615) 532-0981 |
| Online Portal | https://www.tn.gov/agriculture/forests |
| Cost | Free |
| Valid For | Same day |
Step-by-Step Process
- Call your county Tennessee Division of Forestry office (directory at tn.gov/agriculture/forests)
- Provide your county, location, and burn type
- Confirm fire danger is not elevated in your area
- Receive your permit number — valid same day
- Burn only during favorable conditions; wind under 15 mph, humidity moderate
- Attend the fire continuously; extinguish completely before leaving or dark
Seasonal Rules & Burn Bans in Tennessee
February 15 through April 30 is the mandatory permit period. Tennessee's most destructive wildfire years have all involved March–April dry spells with strong northwest winds. After April 30, summer humidity reduces fire risk substantially. Fall (October–November) can bring dry spells but is generally less severe than spring. Watch for TDOF drought advisories in unusual drought years.
What You Can and Cannot Burn in Tennessee
Natural vegetation, yard debris, agricultural residue. Tennessee has active farming and forestry that involves regular prescribed burning — contact your county TDOF office for guidance on agricultural and silvicultural burns, which may have different permit processes than residential debris burns.
- Leaves, yard trimmings, and natural vegetation
- Brush, branches, and untreated natural wood
- Downed trees (not treated, painted, or composite)
- Agricultural crop residue (with appropriate permit)
- Storm debris — natural wood only
Penalties for Burning Without a Permit in Tennessee
Class C Misdemeanor under T.C.A. § 39-14-302 — fines $50–$500. Air quality violations under TDEC can reach $10,000 per day. Suppression cost liability applies for escaped fires. The Division of Forestry investigates all fires requiring suppression response.
Additionally, if an unpermitted or negligent burn escapes your property and requires wildfire suppression response, you are personally liable for the full cost of suppression — which can reach tens of thousands of dollars even for a modest fire. Use our Suppression Cost Calculator to estimate your exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions — Tennessee
February 15 through April 30 statewide. Contact your county Tennessee Division of Forestry office for a free same-day permit. Outside this window, state permits are not required, but local ordinances in cities and counties may still apply.
Outside February 15–April 30, state-level permits are not required for most residential burning in Tennessee. Ensure there is no active local burn ban or drought advisory. Follow safe burning practices. Local city and county ordinances may restrict burning in incorporated areas year-round.
Visit tn.gov/agriculture/forests and navigate to the county contact directory. Every Tennessee county has a designated TDF ranger. You can also call the state office at (615) 532-0981 for the current county contact.
Class C Misdemeanor under T.C.A. § 39-14-302: fines $50–$500 for first offense. Repeat violations escalate. If fire escapes and requires suppression, all suppression costs are billed to the responsible party in addition to criminal penalties.
Yes — agricultural burning for crop residue, pasture management, and silvicultural operations has separate guidance and may involve different permit processes. Contact your county TDF office for agricultural burn coordination.