← Tennessee burn ban rules›Open Burning Rules
Tennessee Open Burning Rules (2026)
Restricted: From Oct 15–May 15, anyone burning open-air within 500 ft of forest, grassland, or woodland must by law get a free debris-burn permit from the Division of Forestry.
From Oct 15–May 15, anyone burning open-air within 500 ft of forest, grassland, or woodland must by law get a free debris-burn permit from the Division of Forestry. Burning without one is a Class C misdemeanor. Container burns with a 1/2-inch mesh screen are exempt; cities may have stricter rules.
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Open Burning Rules in states bordering Tennessee
The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.
- AlabamaRestricted
State law requires a free AFC permit (call 1-800-392-5679) to burn woodland, grass, or debris over 1/4 acre or within 25 ft of woods/grass. Burn only clean vegetation on-site, 500 ft from buildings; start after 8am, no new fuel after 3pm.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: forestry.alabama.gov · Full Alabama rule →
- ArkansasConditional
Open burning of yard/land debris is generally allowed when no ban is in effect, but county judges may impose burn bans (up to 60 days) during dry conditions. The Forestry Division monitors fire danger; bans are enforced by sheriffs.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: agriculture.arkansas.gov · Full Arkansas rule →
- GeorgiaConditional
No GFC permit is required for hand-piled yard debris/natural vegetation (GA Code 12-6-90), but permits ARE required for agricultural & land-clearing burns. EPD bans open burning of yard/land-clearing debris May 1–Sept 30 in 54 north/central GA counties.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: gatrees.org · Full Georgia rule →
- KentuckyConditional
During Forest Fire Hazard Seasons (Feb 15–Apr 30 and Oct 1–Dec 15) it is illegal to burn within 150 ft of woodland/brushland from 6 a.m.–6 p.m. Only natural plant matter may be burned; no state permit, but local rules apply.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: eec.ky.gov · Full Kentucky rule →
- MississippiConditional
Outdoor/debris burning generally requires an MFC burn permit (now available through MFC's online system) and is prohibited entirely when a county burn ban is in effect. County Boards of Supervisors request bans; MFC approves them.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: mfc.ms.gov · Full Mississippi rule →
- MissouriConditional
No statewide permit, but state rule allows burning only of yard/vegetative waste and household refuse (4 units or fewer) that originates and is burned on the same property; trade/demolition waste, tires and trash are prohibited. Local governments may add stricter rules or burn bans.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: dnr.mo.gov · Full Missouri rule →
- North CarolinaConditional
Only natural vegetation may be burned (never trash/man-made items). Yard-waste and land-clearing burns are allowed 8 a.m.-6 p.m. only. An NC Forest Service burn permit is required for vegetation fires more than 100 ft from a dwelling.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: deq.nc.gov · Full North Carolina rule →
- VirginiaRestricted
Statewide '4 PM Burning Law' (Feb 15–Apr 30) bans open-air burning before 4 PM within 300 ft of woods/dry grass; burning allowed 4 PM–midnight if attended. Outside that season open burning is permitted with precautions; localities may add bans. No state permit, but check locality.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: dof.virginia.gov · Full Virginia rule →
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