The Great Smoky Mountain Journal

Staff, Wire Reports

Posted: Sunday, January 21, 2018 06:33 PM

Tennessee Wildfire Season Officially Underway Through May 15, 2018

Tennessee forestry officials said outdoor burning permits will be required as the state heads into wildfire season.

The Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry said in a news release that the wildfire season began Sunday and will continue until May 15. Burn permits are issued when conditions are conducive to safe burning. Permits are issued free of charge.

Drought conditions and hurricane-force winds last November contributed to a wildfire in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that killed 14 people and caused up to $2 billion damage.

Burning without a permit is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a fine. Wildfires caused by arson are a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.