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Nashville, TN<\/strong> – The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry and the Department of Commerce and Insurance\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\u201cBurning 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,\u201d State Forester Jere Jeter said. \u201cIt\u2019s important for citizens to know when, where and how to conduct a debris burn. The division\u2019s burn permit system focuses attention on safety. Getting a permit is free, and takes only two minutes using our online system.\u201dThe online burn permit system is fast and simple. If you are burning a leaf or brush pile that is smaller than 8 feet by 8 feet in size, log on to www.burnsafetn.org<\/a> for approval. Of more than 300,000 burn permits issued last wildfire season, nearly 50,000 were issued online.<\/p>\n For a larger burn, apply for a free permit by calling your local Division of Forestry burn permit phone number Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm. Phone numbers can be found by visiting www.burnsafetn.org<\/a> (***directory is also attached to this release***).<\/p>\n Burn permits are only issued when conditions are conducive to safe burning. If you live inside city limits, there may be additional restrictions. Check with your municipality before you burn.<\/p>\n Wildfires are occasionally started by out of control house fires. The state Fire Marshal\u2019s Office is warning citizens to also be aware of fire hazards in their home.<\/p>\n \u201cFor many years, Tennessee has occupied an undesirable ranking in the country for fire deaths. Falling asleep while smoking in bed or in a comfortable chair remains a significant cause of fire deaths in Tennessee,\u201d says Department of Commerce and Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Julie Mix McPeak. \u201cAlways make sure your home\u2019s smoke detectors are functioning properly.\u201d<\/p>\n Burning without a permit is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and\/or a fine not to exceed $50.00. Wildfires caused by arson are a class C felony punishable by 3 to 15 years in prison and up to $10,000 fines. Anyone with information about suspected arson activity should call the state Fire Marshal\u2019s Arson Hotline toll-free at 1.800.762.3017.<\/p>\n