Burn Status Text Program

Text BURN to (423) 643-5971 to sign up for text messages.
If you have signed up to receive Burn Status texts before and are not receiving them, or if you opted out of the text program at some point, you will need to text the word START to (423) 643-5971 to begin receiving messages again.
You will receive a confirmation text after signing up. If you text BURN and do not receive a confirmation text, then please text START.
If you have any questions, please call us at (423) 643-5970.

Burning Ban in Effect in Hamilton County, Tennessee Until Further Notice Due to Severely Dry Conditions


CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Bureau is suspending burning in Hamilton County until further notice due to severely dry conditions and low humidity.

“We appreciate citizens understanding the need to exercise caution in light of these potentially hazardous conditions,” says Bureau Executive Director, Ron Drumeller.  “People have patiently waited for the burning season.  We just ask that they wait a little bit longer, until we get some rain to provide safer burning conditions to prevent air pollution problems, loss of property and potential loss of life.” 

Residents needing to dispose of brush and natural vegetation during the burning ban are encouraged to use alternative methods to burning, including chipping, composting, and recycling.

Recreational fires are not included in this ban; however, we strongly discourage any type of burning due to the dry conditions and increased chance of wildfires.

The Bureau will continue to issue burn permits during normal operating hours, however, these permits will not be valid until conditions improve.  Burning is approved on a daily basis.

For more information about burning restrictions and alternative brush disposal methods in Hamilton County, Tennessee, you may visit the Bureau’s website at www.apcb.org or call our office at (423) 643-5970.

If you would like to receive text alerts about burning and/or air quality alerts, text the following to (423) 643-5971: Burn for burning notifications, or Air for air quality alerts.