The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Bureau reminds Hamilton County residents that beginning May 1, seasonal burning restrictions take effect and continue through Sept. 30. During this period no burning, commercial or residential, is allowed in Hamilton County.
Residents of Hamilton County wanting to burn brush and vegetation from their yard for disposal purposes will need to obtain a burn permit from the Bureau prior to April 30. Anyone burning within the city limits of Chattanooga, Collegedale, East Ridge, Red Bank and Ridgeside should apply no later than Tuesday, April 28 to allow time for an inspection by the Bureau investigator. The permit allows residents to burn on approved days during specified hours.
The Bureau office is currently closed to the public; however they are accepting applications online at
apcb.org, or through the mail.
Credit card payments are accepted for permits that have been submitted through the website.
To obtain a permit application, residents may:
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request one by phone at 423-643-5970; or
•
submit one online at
apcb.org/burn-permit-application.
Residents are charged a processing fee to help cover the expense of the program. Burning sites within the city limits, listed previously, require a $60 fee and an inspection prior to receiving a permit. Burning sites outside of the above listed city limits pay a $10 fee and usually do not require an inspection.
Recreational fires are allowed during the restriction period. A recreational fire is limited to two feet by three feet in size and only uses seasoned firewood. These can occur in designated areas or on private property for cooking, pleasure or ceremonial purposes.
Burning leaves, brush and other vegetation creates smoke, resulting in a number of hazardous air pollutants. In addition to increasing pollution levels, exposure to these pollutants can result in health effects ranging from allergies to cancer. Burning restriction is a proven method of controlling air quality. Residents and companies are encouraged to use alternatives to burning, like chipping, composting and recycling.