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Wlaf1450TOP PHOTO: Members of the Campbell County Rural Fire Service are on the scene of a previous brush fire on Pleasant Ridge.
LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – Campbell County has experienced two brush fires in the last two weeks and weather conditions are prime for more to occur. A brush fire had to be put out in Cove Norris on Sunday. Multiple agencies responded to this fire, which spread rapidly due to high winds and dry conditions.
Another large brush fire occurred on Sugar Hollow Road on Nov. 7, which resulted in an injury. In most instances, these fires are started accidentally and could be prevented with “common sense and planning”, according to fire and forestry officials.
The number one thing to remember according to LaFollette Fire Chief Jimmy Pack is to “never leave a fire unattended.” “That’s the biggest mistake and the number one mistake people make,” Pack said, explaining it “only takes a moment” for an unattended fire to get out of control.
This time of year brush fire hazards are high.
Fall weather makes for “low humidity and dry conditions,” according to Daniel Lawson assistant chief with the Campbell County Rural Fire Service.
These conditions are why both the state and the county require burn permits between Oct. 15 and May 15. These permits can be acquired online at the Tennessee Division of Forestry website or by calling locally at 423-566-3715. The Oct. 15 through May 15 burn permit requirement goes for the city of LaFollette as well, which issues its own burn permits for burning within city limits. Recreational outside fires contained in fire pits are exempt from needing a permit. To request a burn permit through the city of LaFollette, contact the fire department at 423-562-3340.
In the city of LaFollette, all burn permitted fires must be out by dark. Pack asked that the public use common sense and also respect their neighbors when burning. “Don’t burn wet leaves, green grass clippings or anything that will smoke profusely. Lots of smoke causes breathing problems, especially for the elderly and is not permitted,” Pack said.
County wide, permits are issued on a day to day basis. If conditions are too dry or winds are high, then burn restrictions could apply. Permits are issued 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday. If you need a permit over the weekend, either use the website or contact the local office on the Friday before.
“Always check out the conditions on the state forestry website and get a permit,” Lawson said.
Lawson and other fire officials also recommend having a water hose or a bucket of water nearby when burning, as well as a rake.
“It’s a good idea to rake dead leaves and dry grass away from your burn pile so the fire is less likely to spread where you don’t want it to,” Lawson said.
Lawson also warned that when conditions are dry like they are now, flipping a cigarette out the window can result in a dangerous brush fire.
Fire officials also want to remind the public that it is illegal to burn garbage, plastic, treated lumber and anything that will produce noxious smoke.
Leaves, dead wood, tree limbs and dry grass clippings are all that is allowed to be burned. Burning anything illegal can result in fines from county litter patrol officer Glennis Monday, as well as from the Tennessee Department of Environmental Conservation. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 11/19/2020-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF CCRFS ASSISTANT CHIEF DANIEL LAWSON)