With no significant rainfall recently, the Dickson Fire Department has issued a ban on all outdoor burning in the City of Dickson.

Dickson Fire Chief Richard Greer announced the ban Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, to take effect immediately.

Due to dry conditions, the Dickson Fire Department will not issue any burn permits and the ban applies to all outdoor burning, including leaves and brush, burn barrels, campfires, firepits, construction debris or any other open fires.

“After a wet June with more than 4.5 inches of rain in some areas of the city, Dickson has seen only about 3.5 inches total in July and August,” Greer said. “Combined with the high temperatures over the last couple months, that has left conditions extremely dry and hazardous.”

The burn ban is the second issued by the Dickson Fire Department this year, following a March 12 ban in conjunction with a Tennessee Division of Forestry ban due to windy, dry conditions.

Chief Greer said the ban will remain in place until the area receives substantial rainfall to reduce the risk of fires spreading out of control.

Burning outside of the City of Dickson corporate limits is regulated by local fire departments or the Tennessee Division of Forestry. Residents should check with the fire department in their area or the Division of Forestry at burnsafetn.org or 877-350-BURN (2876) for information regarding burning requirements.

The Division of Forestry requires permits for outdoor burning Oct. 15-May 15. The Division of Forestry and City of Dickson burn permits are free but provide the jurisdictions with control over where and when outdoor burning is conducted and allow daily monitoring of conditions.

Tennessee Code Annotated states any person, firm or corporation willfully or negligently setting fires shall be civilly liable for any expenses incurred in extinguishing the fire.

Dickson Municipal Code states any violation of the city’s ordinances regulating burning can result in a fine.

For more information on Tennessee Division of Forestry burn permits, visit burnsafetn.org or call 877-350-BURN (2876). For more information on burn permits from the City of Dickson Fire Department, call 615-446-6331.

According to the National Weather Service, Dickson has received 44.29 inches of rainfall in 2025, which is more than 6 inches above the year-to-date average. The NWS 10-day forecast for Dickson includes a slight chance of rain Thursday and a chance of storms Saturday.