NASHVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Because the drought in Tennessee has heightened concerns about accidental fires, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has asked sportsmen to follow burn bans issued in specified counties across the state.
The city of Clarksville recently issued its own burn ban.
A state of emergency was declared by TEMA this week as a result of the drought.
This year’s drought has already been credited for helping spread numerous fires, including several on TWRA wildlife management areas. Campfires may not have had anything to do with those fires, but the wildlife agency is asking sportsmen for extra caution.
Ed Carter, executive director of TWRA, noted that just because a ban is not yet in place in a particular county, hunters should keep in mind the dry conditions. Natural gas or propane grills are cooking alternatives to campfires, he noted.
More counties may be added, but the following are already under a burning ban: Claiborne, Sevier, Loudon, Jefferson, Monroe, and Robertson.
“While we don’t want anyone to get into trouble we have to warn everyone that criminal penalties could apply for creating a wildfire, and that penalty could include the cost of suppressing it,” added Carter.
While the State’s Drought & Wildfire Task Force is actively monitoring the dry conditions, the State Fire Marshal’s Office asks Tennesseans to do their part in preventing wildfires by adopting the following fire-safe practices:
• Stay abreast of wildfire danger levels and heed warnings and bans on outdoor burning in your area.
• Remember, from October 15 through May 15, anyone starting an open-air fire in Tennessee within 500 feet of a forest, grassland, or woodland must secure a burning permit from the Division of Forestry. The free permit can be obtained by phone or on online at www.BurnSafeTN.org. Local jurisdictions may have other ordinances and permitting systems in place for open-air burning.
• Avoid burning on windy, dry days. When conditions are windy or dry, it is easy for open burning to spread out of control.
• Closely supervise all outdoor fires. Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving.
• Have an adult present at all times when a bonfire, chiminea, fire pit, or outdoor fireplace is burning.
• A grill should be placed well away from buildings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. If using a charcoal grill, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.
• Establish wide control lines down to bare mineral soil at least five feet wide around any burn barrels and even wider around brush piles and other piled debris to be burned.
• If you burn in a burn barrel or other trash container, be sure it is equipped with a ½” mesh screen or metal grid to keep burning material contained.
• Avoid throwing lit cigarettes out of vehicles. This type of litter can quickly start grass fires that can lead to dangerous traffic situations, such as low visibility and congestion.
• Never park a vehicle over a pile of leaves. The heat from the vehicle’s catalytic converter or exhaust system could ignite the leaves below.
• Outdoor equipment operators need to make sure their equipment is kept in good condition by greasing joints. Mowers should be cautious about mowing over rocks/boulders that could cause a spark. All operators should have fire extinguisher nearby to put out small ignition, but should not try to control a large fire by themselves. Call 911 instead.
• Use an approved spark arrester on all internal combustion powered equipment.
• Keep water and hand tools ready in case your fire should attempt to spread.
• In the unfortunate event that a fire does get out of control, call 911 immediately and wait in a safe place for the arrival of the local fire department.