November 16, 2023
By: Dwayne Page
DeKalb County is under a burning ban which prohibits all open fires until further notice. The ban does not apply to the cities in the county since they have their own authority to issue burn bans.
According to County Mayor Matt Adcock, this burn ban is authorized by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and DeKalb County and becomes effective immediately because of the current dry conditions and high fire danger.
A violation of the ban is considered reckless burning and punishable as a Class A misdemeanor under state law.
County Mayor Adcock, who said County Fire Chief Donny Green requested the burning ban, further explains the reasons for it in the following resolution.
“Whereas, DeKalb County, Tennessee strives to provide excellence in public safety with the protection of the members of our community always regarded as our top priority.
Whereas, for the 3rd consecutive week, DeKalb County is in the D3 (extreme drought) category on the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Whereas, Of November 9th, 70.07% of DeKalb County is in D3 level and it is expected, 100% of DeKalb County, will be in D3 when the November 16th Drought Monitor update is issued.
Whereas, while there is some chance of precipitation in the next 7 days, the prediction is isolated and not expected to alleviate the current drought level situation.
Whereas, the DeKalb County Fire Department has seen a significantly increased call volume in relation to woodland/grassland fires in the last 3 weeks.
Whereas numerous development projects are underway where construction and vegetation burning typically occur in the wildland interface in DeKalb County which poses additional threats in areas with poor access where firefighters are limited in their ability to protect structures.
Whereas DeKalb County Fire Chief Donny Green provided a recommendation for a burn ban to be issued immediately due to the conditions and increased number of woodland or grass fires in DeKalb County.
Be It Further Resolved, that County Mayor Matt Adcock calls for a burn ban pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated 39-14-306, to be enacted immediately and residing until safe conditions are present”.