Burn Permit Information
Burn permits are available at no cost through the Smyrna Fire Department.

Commercial Burn Permits
Commercial burn permits may be obtained Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Residential Burn Permits
Residential burn permits may be obtained daily between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

For permit information or to obtain a burn permit, contact the Smyrna Fire Department at 615-459-6644.

The following guidelines are used concerning burn permits:

Commercial Burning for Land Clearing and Development

Commercial burning conducted for the purpose of clearing vegetation for new development or a change in land use requires a burn permit and must comply with the following requirements:

• A burn permit must be obtained prior to burning.
• The property containing the burn site must be at least 20 acres in size.
• Burning must occur at least 500 feet from any building, roadway, walkway, or other location designated by the Fire Marshal.
• Only on-site vegetation may be burned.
• A burn pit, air curtain destructor, or incinerator may be required.
• Burning is permitted only between 8:00 a.m. and dusk.
• Fires must be constantly attended until completely extinguished.

Burning of Tree Limbs and Leaves

Burning for the disposal of detached tree limbs and leaves requires a burn permit and must meet the following requirements:

• A burn permit must be obtained prior to burning.
• The property containing the burn site must be at least 3 acres in size.
• The burn area must be at least 50 feet from any structure or combustible material.
• The burn area must be at least 100 feet from any adjacent lot or tract containing a residential dwelling or other occupied structure.
• Materials burned must consist only of leaves and limbs collected from the property where the burning is taking place.
• Burning is permitted only between 8:00 a.m. and dusk.
• Fires must be constantly attended until completely extinguished.

Recreational Fires, Fire Pits, and Outdoor Cooking

The following activities are permitted without a burn permit when conducted in accordance with these requirements:

• Small recreational fires
• Outdoor fireplaces
• Fire pits
• Portable gas grills
• Portable charcoal grills

Open (Non-Contained) Fires

• Must be located at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material.
• Fire size is limited to 7 square feet.

Contained Fires (Fire Pits and Outdoor Fireplaces)

• Must be operated at least 15 feet from any structure.

Additional Requirements

• Fires must be used for non-commercial food preparation or recreational purposes.
• Fires must be contained in a manner that prevents the spread of fire.
• Only wood, vegetation, or charcoal may be burned.
• Burning of rubber, asphalt, household trash, or other prohibited materials is not allowed.

Important Safety Information

Regardless of the type of burning being conducted:

• The person responsible for the fire is liable for any injuries or property damage resulting from the fire.
• Fires must never be left unattended.
• An adequate means of extinguishment must be immediately available.
• The Fire Marshal or Fire Department representative may order any fire extinguished if it creates a nuisance or poses a hazard to the public.
• Outdoor burning may be restricted or prohibited due to weather conditions, air quality concerns, drought conditions, or other environmental factors.