Burn bans still in effect after Tuesday’s rain

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) – With Chattanooga officially receiving over two inches of rain this week, it may feel like our long drought is coming to an end. But fire officials are warning this is far from the case.

Jeff Stewart, the interim fire chief at Bradley County Fire and Rescue, said, “We are averaging 8 to 10 brush fires a day here at Bradley County Fire and Rescue.”

To get those numbers down, multiple counties have issued burn bans or are not issuing burn permits without a ban.

A Tennessee National Guard helicopter helping Marion County firefighters battle the Whitwell Mountain fire.

In Tennessee, Sequatchie, McMinn and Polk Counties remain under a burn ban according to the Tennessee State Forestry Office.

Rhea and Grundy Counties have rescinded their burn bans at this time.

Cherokee County, North Carolina is also still under a burn ban.

However, fire officials are still warning that fires can start as we are still in an exceptional drought.

Bradley County Fire and Rescue says that they will not be issuing any more burn permits through the end of the month despite the not the county not being listed under a burn ban.

With no permits, no burns of over 3 feet by 3 feet will be allowed.

This is different from a total burn ban.

Stewart said, “When you do a burn ban, which is also through the state forestry, you cannot do anything below that 3 by 3, or any kind of burning. Such as gas or charcoal grills, campfires, any open flame burning when there is a straight burn ban.”

He says firefighters will be watching closely as people prepare their Thanksgiving meals and advise those who are planning to fry their turkeys to be extra careful this year.

Stewart said, “Making sure you have enough space, making sure there is nothing around that hot grease. Making sure you are applying cooking safety. Making sure you have extinguishers ready, and making sure you are set up away from your home if something happens.”

For a map detailing who is in and out of these burn bans, plus for further guidance on what is and isn’t allowed, visit here.