As dry conditions persist, with little to no humidity, the City of Dickson has issued a ban on all outdoor burning effective immediately until the area receives significant rainfall.
Dickson Fire Department Fire Marshal Robby Street announced the burn ban Thursday morning, Oct. 6, 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.
“Right now conditions are bad enough that the smallest ember can start a grass fire that could threaten structures and lives,” Street said. “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. Municipalities with full-time fire departments regulate burning within those jurisdictions.
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. The division will begin requiring permits for all outdoor burning in areas without other regulations Oct. 15.
As of Thursday, the National Weather Service forecast for Dickson includes drought conditions with low humidity and winds around 8-10 mph. A less than 10% chance of scattered showers are forecasted over the next 7-10 days.
The Dickson Fire Department ban will remain in effect until further notice. Announcements will be made at cityofdickson.com or on the City of Dickson page on Facebook.
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.
