Fire Department Issues Burn Ban in City of Dickson

As dry conditions persist, with no significant rain in the forecast, the City of Dickson has issued a ban on all outdoor burning effective immediately until conditions improve.

Dickson Fire Department Fire Marshal Robby Street announced the burn ban Thursday, Aug. 22, after an assessment of continuing drought conditions, dry vegetation and low humidity determined the risk to life and property has reached a critical stage.

“With only brief showers during the last few weeks, conditions in the City of Dickson have deteriorated to the point that we don’t believe we can safely allow any outdoor burning,” Street said. “The fire department will not issue any burn permits or sanction any outdoor burning until we see a good, prolonged, soaking rain that will reduce the risk.”

The ban applies to any outdoor fires, including the burning of leaves, brush, debris, trash, campfires, bonfires and even screened barrels within the boundaries of the City of Dickson. It is the second ban on burning issued by the Dickson Fire Department this year after one issued July 12.

“Right now, conditions are bad enough that the smallest ember can start a grass fire that could threaten structures and lives,” said Dickson Fire Department Chief Richard Greer. “We also urge residents to be extremely careful discarding cigarettes and other smoking materials.”

The Dickson Fire Department ban applies to burning inside the city limits.

The Tennessee Division of Forestry regulates burning outside of municipalities with full-time fire departments and information on current conditions and permit requirements can be found at burnsafetn.org.

As of Thursday, the National Weather Service forecast for Dickson includes high temperatures climbing back into the 90s and only minimal chances of rain for the next 10 days.

The Dickson Fire Department ban will remain in effect until further notice.

The Dickson Municipal Code requires residents of the city to obtain a permit from the fire department prior to any outdoor burning. The permits are free but allow the department to monitor conditions and control when and where burning takes place. Permit information can be obtained by calling the department at 615-446-6331.

Residents in municipalities with full-time fire departments should check with the department or town hall for outdoor burning requirements. Residents outside municipalities or in towns without fire departments should check with the Tennessee Division of Forestry at burnsafetn.org or call 1-888-891-TDEC (8332). The Division of Forestry requires permits for outdoor burning throughout Tennessee Oct. 15-May 15.