Tennessee State Fire Marshal and State Forester Promote Wildfire Awareness This Spring

Nashville, TN – The arrival of spring means Tennesseans will head outdoors to spruce up their homes and properties. Homeowners often burn debris and brush during spring time, which can lead to an increase in dangerous uncontrolled burns and wildfires.

The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Department of Agriculture’s Division of Forestry want consumers who plan on outdoor burning this year to remember that wildfires can produce disastrous results when safety precautions are not taken.

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Seedling Program Produces Trees for Tennessee

Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry and Huber Engineered Woods LLC (HEW) are teaming up to initiate the Trees for Tennessee Seedling Program.

The program aims to provide an avenue for the establishment of as many as 1 million pine seedlings on at least 400 acres throughout the greater Tennessee Valley and Cumberland Plateau.

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Tennessee State Parks Asks Public Not to Move Firewood

Nashville, TN – Tennessee State Parks, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry and The Nature Conservancy, is advising the public of a new policy regarding bringing firewood into parks.

Beginning June 1st, Tennessee State Parks will advise visitors to use certified heat-treated wood. The new policy aims to prevent or slow the introduction of exotic insects or diseases into parks that could otherwise threaten the health of our trees and forests.

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Tennessee Department of Agriculture says Stay Warm This Winter with the Right Firewood

Nashville, TN – Burning firewood is a good option to keep your home warm through the winter months. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture advises consumers to consider the type of wood, its origin and quantity before making that purchase.

“Firewood is sold all over the state by vendors operating at varying levels – from large-volume vendors selling to commercial retailers like grocery and convenience stores, to smaller mom and pop operations selling firewood along the roadside,” said Jere Jeter, State Forester and Assistant Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry. [Read more]

Tennessee ugres Citizens to practice Wildfire Prevention

TDA’s Division of Forestry requires burn permits October 15th – May 15th

Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry and the Department of Commerce and Insurance’s Division of Fire Prevention are reminding homeowners to follow simple safety practices to prevent wildfires. The official start of wildfire season in Tennessee was October 15th.

“Burning vegetative material that has accumulated around the yard or using fire to clear an old field can be an efficient way to get rid of debris,” State Forester Jere Jeter said. “It’s important for citizens to know when, where and how to conduct a debris burn. The division’s burn permit system focuses attention on safety. Getting a permit is free, and takes only two minutes using our online system.” [Read more]

Tennessee Department of Agriculture reminds Tennesseans that Burn Permits required through May 15th, 2014

Record low number of fires in 2013

Nashville, TN – With Spring drawing near, Tennesseans begin to take advantage of the mild weather to do some outdoor work around the home or farm. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry wants to remind citizens that if they are considering doing outdoor burning, a burn permit is required.

In 2013, the Division of Forestry recorded the lowest number of wildland fires since 1927. There were a total of 639 wildfires that burned 9,033 acres (lowest burned acreage was 7,110 in 2003). Increased efforts in fire prevention and suppression contributed to this record low, and landowners getting burn permits to conduct safe debris burning played a major role in that effort. [Read more]