Burn Permit Applications and Guidelines

  • Always check the apcb.org website or call 423-643-5870 to ensure it is safe to burn. 
  • To sign up for No Burn Days alerts, text Burn to 423-643-5971.

  • Hamilton County (always) and Tennessee (under certain circumstances) require a burn permit.
  • Seasonal burning is allowed with a valid permit in Hamilton County from October 1st to April 30th of each year. Burning permits are issued to individuals or businesses planning to burn less than two acres of brush in a burn season. Burning is limited to clean, raw, untreated, non-manufactured wood or natural vegetation. Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Bureau issues permits. Chattanooga-Hamilton County Air Pollution: 423-643-5870
  • An additional permit is required from the Division of Forestry for anyone starting an open-air fire within 500 feet of forest, grassland, or woodland. Permits are not required for burning in containers such as a metal barrel with a ½" mesh screen cover. Permits from the Division of Forestry are free of charge. Tennessee Division of Forestry:  423-332-3228

Safety Tips

  • Notify your local fire department and neighbors to let them know of your plans to burn
  • Do not burn on windy days
  • Stay abreast of changing weather conditions
  • Establish broad control lines down to bare mineral soil at least five feet wide around burn piles
  • Keep fire containment equipment on hand during the fire (rake, shovel, water)
  • Stay with the fire until it is entirely out.

Chattanooga-Hamilton County Burn Permit Application

Tennessee Division of Forestry Permit Application