LOCAL NEWS — According to the Tennessee Division of Forestry, Moore County residents will be required to obtain a burn permit for debris burning and other open-air fires beginning September 23, which is early this year due to exceptionally dry conditions.

The state requires permits for any resident starting an open-air fire within 500 feet of a forest, grasslands, or woodland. Permits are not required for burning in containers such as metal barrel with a half mesh cover. Items that may not be burned at anytime include tires, vinyl siding, paper products including newsprint, shingles, aerosol cans, household trash, and others. For a complete list of Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation prohibited items, click here.

According to the US Drought Monitor, Moore County is abnormally dry. Other effects beside the need for burn permits is slow planting and growth of crop, potential water shortages, and slow crop recovery.

The Division of Forestry issues permits for free and residents may apply either by phone or online. Officials issue permit via phone Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The number for Moore County is 877-350-2876. To obtain a burn permit online, click here. Permits are generally issued for individual leaf and brush piles no larger than eight feet square. Permits will not be issues on and in locations that are currently considered unsafe for debris burning.

For more information, go to the Burn Safe Tennessee website. •

{The Lynchburg Times is an independently owned and operated newspaper that publishes new stories every morning. Covering Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, Tims Ford State Park, Motlow State Community College, Moore County High School, Moore County Middle School, Lynchburg Elementary, Raider Sports, plus regional and state news.}