Multiple burn bans in effect in Middle Tennessee amid drought conditions, record-breaking heat

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — In addition to dangerous heat and air quality concerns plaguing the mid-state, drought conditions have accelerated the need for multiple communities to issue burn bans.

Bans on burning are typically issued by local fire marshals when overly dry conditions contribute to the need for increased community protection from potential wildfires. Burn bans prohibit residents from burning things such as leaves or brush, construction debris, fields, campfires, burn barrels, all recreational burning and bonfires.

During the time the burn ban is in effect, no burn permits are issued by the local fire department.

Here are the Middle Tennessee communities that have halted open-air burning until conditions improve.

Rutherford County

• La Vergne
• Murfreesboro
• Unincorporated Rutherford County
• Eagleville

Sumner County

• Hendersonville
• Portland
• Gallatin

Wilson County

• Mt. Juliet
• Lebanon

Hickman County

• Centerville

Jackson County

• Gainesboro

Perry County

• Mousetail Landing State Park

Lawrence County

• Lawrenceburg

Dickson County

• Dickson

Robertson County

• Greenbrier

Some communities also have year-round burn bans in effect. Metro Nashville-Davidson County never permits open burning within the Metro area, according to the Nashville Fire Department .

The burn bans can also help prevent brush fires. In the late morning Thursday, Aug. 29, Shelbyville Fire Department officials said a small brush fire broke out along Sims Road just west of the center of town. The fire impacted about six or seven acres of land, though no structures were affected. The blaze was contained and put out quickly, however.

A spokesperson with the Shelbyville Fire Department told News 2 it is “extremely dry” across the county.

On Thursday, Nashville temperatures broke a 127-year-old record when they reached 101 degrees. The previous record high temperature was 100 set in 1897.

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