Several Middle Tennessee cities have declared burn bans and restrictions due to unseasonably hot weather and dry conditions over multiple weeks.
Middle Tennessee is experiencing drought conditions according to the National Weather Service.
Nashville only recorded a trace of rain — less than 0.01 of an inch — from Sept. 1-21, which ties the record for the lowest precipitation since 1903 during those dates.
Lower relative humidity levels that can further elevate fire risks are expected toward the weekend beginning Sept. 26, according to the National Weather Service.
"We are approaching our drier months, which tends to coincide with peak fire danger season in Tennessee," an email from the National Weather Service stated. "Once the afternoon relative
humidity drops below about 30%, dry vegetation becomes significantly more of a factor in overall fire danger."
The seven-day forecast includes little rain expected for Middle Tennessee through Sept. 29. The Cumberland Plateau is expected to see the majority of any rainfall in the next seven days, but only up to an inch.
Middle Tennessee cities with burn restrictions
Mt. Juliet: No outside burning until further notice. Includes brush and leaf burning, burn piles, bonfires and recreational fires, outdoor debris or trash burning and open-flame fire pits.
Hendersonville: All previously issued permits have been revoked. This includes permits for residential fire pits for yard debris and other burning. Burning that does not require a permit, such as small, contained fire pits, is being discouraged.
Gallatin: Specified burn permits for open burning that include brush and garden refuse are suspended. Certain commercial burns using air curtain burners with a trench or burn box are still allowed by permit.
Fairview: Includes any recreational burning, including the use of fire pits. Natural gas fire pits are excluded. The Fairview Fire Department will not be issuing burn permits until there is adequate rainfall.
Brentwood: The city has suspended burn permit approvals but has not yet issued a total burn ban.
Nashville/Davidson County: Metro prohibits open burning year-round, therefore does not issue burn bans, according to the fire department.
Franklin: Residential brush and trash burning are always prohibited in Franklin. Other types of outdoor burning, such as bonfires and construction-related fires, require a permit. The city has not suspended issuing permits but has not been receiving requests due to the dry conditions.
More Middle Tennessee cities and counties could issue burn restrictions.
Fire safety tips
- Leave a 10-foot radius around campfires and burning brush. Never leave fires unattended and always properly extinguish.
- Use grills and smokers on gravel or paved surfaces.
- Never toss a lighted cigarette to the ground. Put ashes in a metal container with tight lid.
- Keep water stored near campfires, fire pits, grills, smokers, burning brush and other fires.
- Water your lawn and keep grass cut. Mow in the morning when it's not windy or excessively dry.
- Maintain vehicle brakes and tires and secure tow chains to avoid dragging. Don't drive on dry grass or brush.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Drought, burn bans spread across Middle Tennessee. Where fires are restricted
