For immediate release March 15, 2006

STATE AGENCIES REMIND THE PUBLIC: LEARN BEFORE YOU BURN!
Open Burning regulations important to protect air quality and prevent wildfires

Nashville, Tenn. – The Department of Environment and Conservation’s Air Pollution Control Division and the Department of Agriculture’s Division of Forestry remind the public that observing state regulations regarding open burning help protect air quality and prevent wildfires.

“The recent wildfires that have occurred across the state serve as a reminder to all of us that open burning regulations are necessary for a variety of important reasons,” said state forester Steve Scott.

The official forest fire season runs from Oct. 15 to May 15 of each year, and state law requires citizens to obtain a burning permit from the Department of Agriculture before conducting any open, outdoor burning during this period.

“There are also items that it is illegal to burn at any time during the year to protect our air from pollution,” said Tracy Carter, senior director for air resources for the Department of Environment and Conservation. “Tennesseans want clean air for their families to breathe, and smoke from burning these illegal items can cause serious health problems, especially for children and the elderly.”

In Tennessee, it is illegal to burn:

• Tires and rubber products
• Vinyl siding and shingles
• Asphalt shingles and other asphalt roofing materials and demolition debris
• Building material, construction debris and mobile homes
• Plywood, oriented strand board and treated wood, including railroad ties
• Asbestos-containing materials
• Aerosol cans and food cans
• Copper wire and electrical wires
• Plastics and other synthetic materials
• Paper products, cardboard and newspaper
• Household trash
• Leaves, branches and trees not grown on site

In addition to state regulations, local governments may have burning ordinances or require their own permits. Check with your city or county government for any local burning requirements.

Carter reminds people that even those holding a proper permit for outdoor burning are not excused from following the state’s air quality rules. “The state may fine violators of Tennessee’s air quality regulations up to $25,000 per day for open burning,” she said.

Recycling and composting are alternatives to open burning recommended by the Division of Air Pollution Control. Consider recycling paper and cardboard, cans and plastics and composting yard trimmings and leftover food scraps.

Division of Forestry regulations also subject anyone burning without a permit during the official fire season to a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a $50 fine or 30 days in jail. Citizens can obtain a verbal burning permit by simply calling their local Division of Forestry office listed under state government in the phone directory between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

To learn more about proper disposal of items that cannot be burned, refer to this online brochure from the Division of Air Pollution Control: www.tdec.net/apc/pdfs/OpenBurningBrochure.pdf . Or call the Department of Environment and Conservation toll free at 1-888-891-TDEC (8332) to reach the closest environmental field office.

To learn more about fire dangers and open burning permits, visit the Division of Forestry’s Web site at: www.tennessee.gov/agriculture/forestry.

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For more information contact:

Dana Coleman, TDEC
(615) 253-1916 (Office)

Tom Womack, Agriculture
(615) 837-5118