RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Rutherford County Fire Marshal's Office has issued a reminder about safe burning practices after authorities responded to a hot tub fire Friday.
Rutherford County Fire Rescue units responded to a reported residential fire on Halls Hill Pike Friday evening. When they arrived, crews found a hot tub fire and surrounding vegetation on fire.
An investigation from the Rutherford County Fire Marshal's Office investigated the incident and found the cause to be an unattended fire pit. Elevated wind conditions resulted in the spread of the fire.
The Rutherford County Fire Marshal's Office reminded residents about the hazards of open burning during windy conditions, adding outdoor fires should not be left unattended. At least one person should be at the burn site for the entire length of the burn. Additionally, the office said several home fires this year were attributed to "open burning situations gone wrong." It is illegal to burn:
- Rubber products, including tires
- Vinyl siding or shingles
- Asphalt shingles or other asphalt roofing materials and demolition debris
- Building materials, construction debris or mobile homes
- Plywood, oriented strand board or other treated wood — including railroad ties
- Materials that contain asbestos
- Plastics or other synthetic materials
- Aerosol or food cans
- Copper or other electrical wires
- Paper products, cardboard and newspaper
- Household trash
From October 15 through May 15, a burn permit from the Tennessee Division of Forestry is required for all debris pile fires and prescribed fires. The Rutherford County Fire Marshal's Office said state law allows a civil penalty of up to $25,000 per day of each day of violation of the Air Quality Act, regardless of the size of the burn.
