Wilson County residents who plan to burn leaves or brush need a free state permit starting Thursday, Oct. 15.

The Tennessee Division of Forestry requires the permit for all outdoor burning of leaves, branches, storm debris and prescribed fires through May 15, 2027, according to the state's burn permit page. The requirement applies statewide each year during wildfire season.

Escaped debris burns are the leading cause of wildfires in Tennessee, the forestry division said. The state averages about 1,000 wildfires annually, burning roughly 18,000 acres.

"More than 90% of wildfires in Tennessee are caused by human activities, including escaped debris burns," State Forester Heather Slayton said in a Wednesday, Oct. 7, press release.

How to get a permit

Permits are free. Residents can apply online at BurnSafeTN.org or through the MyTN mobile app seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Those without internet access can call 1-877-350-BURN (2876) on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central time, though the state warns of long wait times during peak call volume.

Each permit is valid for one day only. Residents must apply on the day they plan to burn, and all fires must be fully extinguished before midnight.

The state will not issue permits when conditions are too dangerous. High winds, low humidity or extremely dry vegetation can trigger a temporary pause.

What needs a permit and what doesn't

Leaf piles, woody debris like branches, hurricane storm debris and prescribed fires all require a permit. Fires in containers or barrels covered with a half-inch mesh screen, ceremonial fires and grilling do not.

Local rules add another layer

The Wilson County EMA asks residents who obtain a burn permit to also notify the agency at 615-444-8779 or through its website. The notification helps reduce false alarm calls when neighbors spot smoke.

Within Mt. Juliet city limits, additional restrictions apply. The city requires all fires to be extinguished before dark, prohibits burning within 50 feet of any structure and bans burning when winds reach 10 mph or more, according to the city's open burning guidelines. The city's guidelines list a $250 fine for malicious burning.

The Mt. Juliet Fire Department also issued a separate burn ban on Sept. 22 due to dry conditions. That ban, which prohibited all outside burning including bonfires and fire pits, was issued "until further notice." Whether the ban has been lifted was unclear at publication.

Burning without a state permit is a Class C misdemeanor.

Residents can report illegal burning by calling 1-888-891-TDEC, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation hotline.