Holly Roeder
Staff Writer
The Chester County Independent responded to the scene of a structure fire – an intentional, controlled burn – Friday afternoon on Glendale Road. The fire was reportedly the product of a legal, controlled burn with a previously approved burn permit. The man who identified himself as the permit holder explained precautions and steps he had take to ensure the burn was as safe as possible, for him and the environment. Vinyl siding and other materials can clearly be seen stacked, where he had striped the structure “down to the bones.” It seemed the event had gone according to plan. However, when the Independent contacted the United States Department of Agriculture, Tennessee Forestry Division for more information on acquiring burn permits and regulations, we were informed permits would not be issued for houses, structures, or construction materials and the like. It is unclear at this time who approved the permit in question, but is definitely not the norm.
It does appear that the permit holder did what was required of him – as far as he was aware.
Billy Tims with TN Forestry explained that burn permits are issued for brush and materials which can be grown on the property where the permit is requested. Each permit is considered by material, weather/wind. Unauthorized burning can garner a hefty fine.
For more information, go to burnsafetn.org or call TDEC at 888-891-8332. Watch the Independent for more on this story and burning in Chester County.
