Bill would Let Tennessee Ban Open Fires during Hazardous Conditions

A proposal to allow Tennessee officials to completely ban open fires in the state during extreme fire-hazard conditions is advancing in the Legislature.

The measure sponsored by Rep. Willie Borchert, a Camden Democrat, unanimously passed the House on March 6. The companion bill is scheduled before a Senate committee Tuesday.

The legislation would authorize the commissioner of agriculture to issue the ban. Violators would be charged with reckless burning, a misdemeanor.

Read the full text of HB4119 on the General Assembly’s Web site at: http://www.legislature.state.tn.us