Hamilton County burn ban begins Monday

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — The seasonal burning ban for Hamilton County will begin on May 1 this year.

Starting Monday, restrictions will go into place, prohibiting residential and commercial burning.

However, the Bureau is allowing recreational fires, which include seasoned firewood burns. But that firewood cannot be bigger than two feet by three feet in size. Residents can recreationally burn on designated areas or private property but must attend the fire at all times.

These restrictions will stay in effect through September 30.

According to the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Bureau, this is because of air pollution.

They say that burning leaves, brush and other vegetation creates smoke, and that smoke results in “a number of hazardous air pollutants.”

The Bureau added that being exposed to these pollutants may result in health problems. They state these issues range from allergies to cancer.

Officials are asking residents to use alternatives, such as chipping, composting and recycling.

“Burning restriction is a proven method of controlling air quality,” the Bureau added.