Via Voice Wire on December 11, 2021, 08:00 AM

Rutherford County Fire Rescue warned that open burning, if not done properly, could cause widespread bushfires and other consequences.

According to Fire Marshal Joshua Sanders, the department responded to a total of three separate bush fires in the Kittrell area on Thursday. "This resulted in a quotation, a verbal warning, and a written warning," he said.

RCFR captain Adam Rose's team responded to the fire with Kittrell and Lascassas Volunteer Department. He stated that the high winds on Thursday were definitely a factor in the rapid spread of the fire. "Due to the location of the fire, RCFR trucks must be deployed to fetch water for the fire, and the staff must also use special wasteland firefighting hand tools and techniques."

Fortunately, the staff was able to prevent any damage to the structure.

Sanders advises: "As we experienced on Thursday, burning in the open air under windy conditions will quickly cause the fire to go out of control." "We strongly recommend not to burn in high winds, but also not to burn on cloudy days. Because it tends to bring the smoke closer to the ground."

In addition, Sanders mentioned that it is important to obtain proper permits before any type of open burning.

Open burning is defined as "burning of a bonfire, vegetation fragment fire, or other fire in an outdoor location that does not contain burning fuel in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, barbecue grill, or barbecue pit."

Between October 15th and May 15th each year, state law requires citizens to obtain permission from the Forestry Department of the Ministry of Agriculture before any open burning.

Sanders said: "Illegal burning will be extinguished, and people who burn illegally or without permission will also be subpoenaed by the fire chief's office." 

The license is free. People can apply for a permit online by visiting burnsafetn.org or dialing toll-free 1-877-350-2876.

In Tennessee and Rutherford County, some items are illegally burned at any time (not just during the permit season):

It is also illegal to burn any material transported from one location to another for the purpose of combustion. Transporting any natural or man-made materials, dumping and burning in other locations or receiving materials for burning will be subject to high fines.

State law allows a civil fine of up to $25,000 for each day that violates the Air Quality Act, regardless of the size of the burn.

Leaves, branches, trees, tree stumps and grass clippings, as long as they burn in place.

Recycling and composting are alternative methods of open burning recommended by the Ministry of Environment and Protection. Household waste that cannot be recycled should be disposed of in permitted landfills.

County convenience centers and private garbage movers are the options for owners to properly dispose of household garbage. For a list of the county's recycling and convenience center sites, rules, and regulations, please visit: http://solidwaste.rutherfordcountytn.gov/recycling-rules.

Those seeking more information about open burning should visit burnsafetn.org or call 615-907-3600 to contact the RCFR fire chief's office.