Residents in Tennessee must obtain a free burn permit from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s TDF before burning leaves or natural vegetation, including debris generated by Hurricane Helene, starting October 15

Chattanooga, TN – According to the state officials, permits are only issued when conditions are safe for burning.

If hazardous conditions like high winds or extreme drought occur, TDF temporarily halts issuing permits until conditions improve.

Burn permits are available at no cost and can be obtained at www.BurnSafeTN.org or through the MyTN mobile app.

Permits are issued online seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. in the appropriate time zone.

A permit must be obtained on the same day as the planned burn, and each fire must be fully extinguished by the expiration time.

Fires should never be left unattended. Burning without a permit is a Class C misdemeanor.

For residents without internet access, permits can be requested by calling 877-350-BURN (2876), Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central.