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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.

Permits are issued when the conditions are deemed safe for burning. In the event of hazardous fire conditions, burn restrictions are put in place to ensure safety. During such conditions, the issuance of burn permits is temporarily suspended and later resumes when the situation improves. The authorization of burn permits is dependent on the prevailing weather and environmental conditions. The state of Tennessee may impose burn bans in response to these conditions. The approval of burn permits is determined by the LFD Fire Marshal based on weather and environmental conditions. Burn permits are not granted more than 48 hours in advance, and burning is prohibited when sustained winds exceed 10 mph.

Learn before you burn!  Understand how to prevent wildfires from backyard debris burning by following these important steps:

Check the current weather conditions:

During dry and windy conditions, burn permits are not authorized. It is important to check weather conditions before requesting a burn permit.

What can I burn?

Burning permits are issued specifically for the purpose of burning only natural vegetation grown on the property. It is important to note that burning of building wood, household trash, plastic, tires, or construction components is strictly prohibited.

Check the surroundings:

When choosing a site for burning, it is important to select a location that is safe and away from power lines, overhanging limbs, buildings, vehicles, and equipment. It’s crucial to ensure there is at least three times the height of the pile as vertical clearance in the chosen area. The selected site should be surrounded by gravel or mineral soil (dirt) with a minimum distance of 10 feet in all directions. During the burning process, it’s advisable to keep the surroundings watered down and have a shovel nearby in case of any emergencies.

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.