Hamilton County, October 17, 2025
News Summary
As of October 1, Hamilton County has lifted the seasonal burning ban, which allows residents to apply for burn permits for brush and vegetation. Permits are available through the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Bureau and are valid until April 30, 2026. Residents are reminded to ‘burn smart,’ adhering to regulations to prevent wildfires, especially during the fall fire season. Additional information about obtaining permits can be found by contacting the Bureau or visiting their website.
Hamilton
The burning ban in Hamilton County has been lifted as of October 1, allowing residents to apply for seasonal burn permits for burning brush and vegetation. These permits can be obtained from the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Bureau and will remain valid until April 30, 2026.
From May 1 through September 30, Hamilton County prohibits burning to comply with federal air quality standards. As the fall fire season begins, there is an increased risk of wildfires, particularly due to dry leaves and windy conditions.
Residents are encouraged to “burn smart” and adhere to all burning conditions, including restrictions on prohibited materials. A seasonal burn permit is required for burning brush, although recreational campfires do not need a permit.
How to Obtain a Permit
Burn permits may be applied for in three ways: online, in person at the CBL Center II, or by phone by calling 423-643-5970. A fee of $60 is required for permits within city limits—covering areas such as Chattanooga, Collegedale, East Ridge, Red Bank, and Ridgeside—due to the necessity of an inspection by a Bureau investigator. For residents outside these city limits, the permit costs $10.
Background on Burning Regulations
The seasonal burn ban was put in place in 2005 under the Early Action Compact initiative. This regulation has significantly improved local air quality and has encouraged residents to utilize alternative disposal methods like chipping, composting, and recycling.
Authorities urge citizens to exercise extreme caution while burning and to follow all seasonal burning regulations. For more information, residents can contact the Air Pollution Control Bureau at 423-643-5970 or visit their official website.
Summary Chart of Permit Details
| Permit Type | Cost | Inspection Required | Valid Until |
|---|---|---|---|
| Within City Limits | $60 | Yes | April 30, 2026 |
| Outside City Limits | $10 | No | April 30, 2026 |
FAQ Section
When was the burning ban lifted in Hamilton County?
The burning ban ended on October 1.
Where can residents apply for seasonal burn permits?
Permits are available through the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Bureau.
How long are the burn permits valid?
All permits are valid until April 30, 2026.
When is burning prohibited in Hamilton County?
Hamilton County prohibits burning from May 1 through September 30 to comply with federal air quality standards.
What should residents do to ensure safe burning?
Residents are encouraged to “burn smart” and adhere to burning conditions, including prohibited materials.
Do recreational campfires require a permit?
No, recreational campfires do not require a permit.
How can residents obtain burn permits?
Burn permits can be applied for online, in person at CBL Center II, or by phone at 423-643-5970.
What are the permit costs?
There is a $60 fee for permits within city limits and a $10 fee for all other Hamilton County residents.
What was the purpose of establishing the seasonal burn ban?
The seasonal burn ban was established in 2005 under the Early Action Compact initiative.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Local News: Seasonal Burn Ban Ends in Hamilton County
- Wikipedia: Burning Regulations
- Chattanoogan: Seasonal Burning Begins October 1
- Google Search: Hamilton County Burn Permits
- Local News: Burn Permits Now Required in Tennessee
- Google Scholar: Burn Regulations Tennessee
- S Valley Now: Burn Permit Requirement Ended May 15
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wildfire Season
- Local News: Outdoor Burning Guidelines Across the TN Valley
- Google News: Hamilton County Burn Guidelines
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
