The Chattanooga – Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Bureau is reminding Hamilton County residents that once the Governor’s Burning Ban is lifted, they will need a valid burn permit from the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Bureau before burning brush and vegetation. The burning permit allows residents to burn brush and vegetation on approved burning days until April 30.
To obtain a permit application, residents may:
· request one by phone at 423-643-5970;
· download one at apcb.org; or
· apply in person at 6125 Preservation Dr., Ste 140, Chattanooga, TN 37416.
Residents will be charged a processing fee to help cover the expense of the program. Burning sites within the city limits of Chattanooga, Collegedale, East Ridge, Red Bank, and Ridgeside require a $50 fee and an inspection, completed by the bureau investigator, prior to receiving a permit. All other areas in Hamilton County require a $5 fee and usually do not need an inspection.
“We urge citizens to continue to use caution while burning on allowed burning days,” said Bob Colby, director of the Air Pollution Control Bureau. “We are still in an extreme drought even after receiving substantial rainfall. All burning must be compliant with the regulations of seasonal burning. If you are burning in a barrel, you must have a valid permit and must comply with all of the seasonal burning rules. Some people think they can burn in a barrel without meeting these requirements, however this is not allowed."
Residents living in the unincorporated areas of Hamilton County are also required to obtain a burning permit from the Tennessee Division of Forestry. The permit is free of charge. More information can be found online at burnsafetn.org.
For more information, contact the Air Pollution Control Bureau at 423-643-5970 or go online to www.apcb.org.