Elizabethton Introduces Free Burning Permits for Residents to Clear Debris

Elizabethton Residents Can Now Burn Debris with Free Permits

In a friendly move to help residents tidy up their yards, the city of Elizabethton has made it easier for folks to deal with small amounts of vegetative debris. During the city council meeting on Thursday night, it was announced that residents can now obtain a permit to burn their small piles of natural vegetation, and the best part? There’s no fee involved! This initiative is available until November 7, giving everyone just a little more freedom to maintain their outdoor spaces as we head into the fall season.

How to Get Your Burning Permit

If you’re looking to burn some debris, the first step is to obtain a permit. You can do this by giving a quick call to the Elizabethton Fire Department between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. They can be reached at any of the following non-emergency numbers: 423-542-5421, 423-542-5851, and 423-547-6380. Once you call, a member of the fire department will come out to inspect your planned burn pile.

Fire Chief Barry Carrier mentioned during the meeting that they are mainly looking to ensure safety and environmental responsibility. “We’ll go look at it,” he said, emphasizing that the goal is to allow residents to burn small debris rather than large items like logs and tree stumps that might require a different approach for disposal.

Guidelines to Follow

• The debris must strictly be natural vegetation.
• Absolutely no household items should be tossed into the burn pile.
• Your debris pile shouldn’t be more than 4 feet tall and 6 feet in diameter.
• Ensure your pile is at least 50 feet away from any structure or combustible material.
• Don’t forget to let your neighbors know about your burn plans!
• You’ll want to create wide control lines around the fire, down to bare mineral soil, at least 5 feet wide.
• Always have fire containment equipment handy – this includes a rake, shovel, some heavy-duty equipment, and a way to put out the fire, like a bucket of water.
• Never leave the fire unattended; stay close until it is completely extinguished.

Stay Informed and Safe

As the city staff and Fire Marshal Jeremiah Tolley discussed the plan, they reiterated that keeping safety in mind is crucial while enjoying the right to burn debris. By following these guidelines, residents can help cut down on debris while being responsible community members.

Of course, with the fall colors and cooler weather, many may be looking forward to enjoying their yards a little bit more. The ability to burn small amounts of natural debris allows everyone to keep their outdoor spaces neat and tidy without incurring any extra costs. So don’t hesitate – grab that permit, keep safety at the forefront, and enjoy the beauty of autumn in Elizabethton!