Franklin County residents planning to burn leaves or natural debris will need to obtain a free state burn permit beginning Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, as Tennessee’s annual permit season returns.
The Tennessee Division of Forestry requires permits for debris pile fires and prescribed burns from Oct. 15 through May 15. Residents inside city limits should check local rules before burning because municipal restrictions may be more restrictive than the state requirements.
Permits are available through BurnSafeTN.org and the MyTN mobile app. Residents with limited internet access may call 877-350-BURN, or 877-350-2876, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central time, except holidays.
A permit must be obtained on the day of the planned burn. Permits cover one day, and the fire must be completely extinguished before the permit expires. A fire should never be left unattended.
The state issues permits only when conditions are safe enough for burning. High winds, very low humidity or unusually dry vegetation can lead forestry officials to pause permit issuance until conditions improve.
The Division of Forestry recommends keeping piles manageable, clearing flammable material from around the burn area and having water and tools close by. Burn locations should be away from buildings, overhanging branches and utilities. Burning should stop if strong winds develop.
A burn permit does not authorize burning household trash. State guidance calls for burning only natural materials from the property and checking both state and local restrictions first.
Tennessee averages about 1,000 wildfires each year, burning roughly 18,000 acres, according to an Oct. 7 Department of Agriculture advisory. The state identifies escaped debris fires as a leading cause of wildfires.
Sources: Tennessee Department of Agriculture wildfire season advisory; Tennessee Division of Forestry burn permits; State guidance on burning natural debris.
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