← Tennessee burn ban rules›Campfire Rules
Tennessee Campfire Rules (2026)
Permitted: Campfires are generally allowed without a state debris-burn permit, but a state or county burn ban (proclaimed by the Commissioner of Agriculture or Governor) prohibits all open-air burning including campfires and cooking fires.
Campfires are generally allowed without a state debris-burn permit, but a state or county burn ban (proclaimed by the Commissioner of Agriculture or Governor) prohibits all open-air burning including campfires and cooking fires. Check local ordinances.
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Campfire Rules in states bordering Tennessee
The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.
- AlabamaConditional
Recreational fires under 1/4 acre and not within 25 ft of natural fuels need no AFC permit, but a Governor-declared Drought Emergency ('No Burn Order') bans campfires; only charcoal/masonry/gas grills for cooking remain allowed.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: forestry.alabama.gov · Full Alabama rule →
- ArkansasConditional
Campfires are allowed when no county burn ban is active. During a burn ban, all outside burning—including campfires—is prohibited within that county for the ban period or until the county judge lifts it.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: portal.arkansas.gov · Full Arkansas rule →
- GeorgiaPermitted
Campfires and barbeques are exempt from EPD's summer open-burning ban and need no GFC burn permit. Attend the fire until fully extinguished, keep clearance from structures/woodlands, and follow any local ordinances.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: epd.georgia.gov · Full Georgia rule →
- KentuckyConditional
Recreational fires are generally allowed but during fire hazard seasons must follow the 150-ft / 6 a.m.–6 p.m. woodland restriction. Burn only natural plant matter; check local fire department before burning.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: eec.ky.gov · Full Kentucky rule →
- MississippiConditional
Campfires, bonfires, fire pits and fire rings are allowed under normal conditions but are completely prohibited during a county burn ban (anything with an open flame that produces an ember). Gas/propane and charcoal grills remain allowed even during a ban.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: mfc.ms.gov · Full Mississippi rule →
- MissouriPermitted
Campfires and fires for recreation, ceremony, or noncommercial cooking are allowed statewide and may burn only vegetative/untreated wood. Keep fires at least 75ft from buildings, small, attended, and fully extinguished; you are liable for any escape.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: dnr.mo.gov · Full Missouri rule →
- North CarolinaPermitted
Campfires, outdoor cooking fires and bonfires are permitted (burning only vegetation/firewood) unless prohibited by local ordinance or a temporary burn ban. Fires must be controlled and never left unattended.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: deq.nc.gov · Full North Carolina rule →
- VirginiaConditional
During the 4 PM Burning Law (Feb 15–Apr 30) campfires count as open-air burning and are banned before 4 PM within 300 ft of woods. Allowed if covered by a 1/4-inch metal screen or kept 300+ ft from woods/brush; attend the fire and have water/rake/shovel ready.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: dof.virginia.gov · Full Virginia rule →
We watch the official sources behind Tennessee burn bans rules. If a tracked rule changes, you get one short email — never more than one a week. Free, unsubscribe anytime.