Local firefighters have a message for people who set outdoor fires without a proper burn permit: Knock it off. Reckless burning destroys private property and costs taxpayers precious dollars to put out.As Press staff writer Max Hrenda reported earlier this week, firefighters say they have seen a significant spike in the number of brush fires in Washington County this year, with most of those blazes being the result of illegal burning.Jonesborough Fire Department Chief Phil Fritts told the Press his department responded to 15 brush fires in March, all of which took place outside the town’s limits. Of those calls, Fritts said only two firestarters had burn permits.During wildfire season, anyone burning without a permit is subject to a Class C misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $50 fine. Homeowners can obtain a verbal burning permit by simply calling their local Division of Forestry office listed in the phone directory under state government between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Permits are generally good for 24 hours and can be issued for weekends.Tennessee officials say almost half the wildfires that occurred last year were a result of arson, which is a Class C felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Those with information about any suspected arson activity should call the state Fire Marshal’s Arson Hotline toll-free at 800-762-3017.
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