Cookeville Fire Department issuing a citywide burn ban effective Wednesday due to prolonged drought conditions and a lack of forecasted rainfall.
Fire Chief Benton Young said the restriction serves as a proactive measure to prevent fires before they start, as humidity levels remain low across the region.
“Every year it seems like this time of year it gets dry and we have to do this,” Young said. “And of course it’s the best time of year to have a bonfire or something, right? But you know, it’s so dry right now, it’s not going to take much to get a fire going at all.”
The ban prohibits any type of open burning started by people, including campfires, brush piles, and construction materials. Charcoal, propane, and gas grills remain permitted for cooking use.
The department requires a widespread, soaking rain across the region before it is safe to lift the restrictions. While the state and county have specific seasonal windows where burning permits are not required, city residents are always required to obtain a local permit before clearing brush.
The current restrictions could remain in place for approximately one month, matching the duration of the emergency safety measures issued during the same period last year.
“I’m looking at the ten-day forecast here and there’s a 20% toward the end of the month and that’s it,” Young said. “So we’re not getting any rain for a while. I’m going to say at least two or three weeks. I think last year it was about a month we waited. It was into November before we got some good rainfall.”
“Any type of mechanical engines, machinery, anything like that can spark and cause a fire,” Young said. “Even just heat from a muffler on your lawnmower can cause one. So it doesn’t take much. And I always tell people to if they have a fire, call us immediately. Don’t try to put it out yourself. Let us get in route so we can take care of it for you. That’s what we’re here for. But if we can keep those conditions down to where it’s a minimum, it just helps everybody and helps your neighbors and us.”
Residents who witness open burning within the city limits should report the violation to the police non-emergency number at 526-2121. Fire crews will investigate reports, extinguish active blazes, and focus on public safety education.
“We usually look for several days of rain, several inches of rain,” Young said. “A short burst of a half inch of rain in these conditions is not going to do much. So we look for maybe two or three days of consistent good rainfall or a good large amount of rain.”
