BURN PERMITS ARE REQUIRED WITHIN THE LEBANON CITY LIMITS
Burn permits can be obtained through LFD Headquarters by calling (615) 443-2903 / MONDAY – FRIDAY from 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM.
The LFD Headquarters office is closed on weekends and all major U.S. Holidays. Burn permits are not authorized on Sundays or any major U.S. Holidays. Requests for burn permits on Saturdays will only be issued the day before the scheduled burning.
Learn before you burn! Understand how to prevent wildfires from backyard debris burning by following these important steps:
Check the current weather conditions:
What can I burn?
Check the surroundings:
Remember:
Always stay with your fire until it is completely out. To ensure the fire is fully extinguished, it should be drowned with water, the ashes turned over with a shovel, and then drowned again. This process should be repeated several times. It’s crucial to check the burn area regularly over the next several days, especially if the weather is warm, dry, or windy.
In the event of an emergency: Dial 911 – For All Non-Emergencies Dial: (615) 449-7610
How to obtain a burn permit if you reside in Wilson County but live outside of the Lebanon City limits:
Apply Online
Permits are available online 7 days a week, 8 am to 11 pm Eastern and Central, depending on your location.
Call 877-350-BURN (2876)
Permits are available via phone Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 4:30 pm Central, except for holidays.
We do experience high call volume at times, leading to long wait times, so we encourage all permit applicants to use the online system.
Tips for Conducting a Safe Debris Burn
Escaped debris burns are the leading cause of wildfires in the US and in Tennessee. That’s why your efforts to conduct your debris burns safely are critical to preventing wildfires in Tennessee. Remember, wildfire prevention begins with you!
For information on what materials may NOT be burned in Tennessee, please visit Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s Open Burning Guidelines by clicking the button below:
To report illegal burning, please call toll-free 1-888-891-TDEC.
What is the difference between a burn restriction & burn ban?
Restrictions:
When wildfire risk is meaningfully elevated, we temporarily pause the issuance of burn permits. This is a burn restriction, not a burn ban.
That means no one may not conduct burns that require a permit until the restriction is lifted.
Restrictions do NOT prohibit campfires, outdoor grilling, or burn barrels with mesh covers.
Bans:
If hazardous fire weather poses an uncommonly severe risk, the Commissioner of Agriculture, in consultation with the State Forester, may issue a burn ban for specific counties at the request of county mayors. The Governor may also issue a burn ban on a regional or statewide basis. Such bans carry more significant punishments when violated than burning without a permit.
Burn bans prohibit ALL open-air burning, including campfires, outdoor grills, and leaf / debris piles.
If you have any further questions regarding burn permits or the process of burning, please contact LFD Headquarters at (615) 443-2903.