Backcountry campgrounds are dry, water levels and springs are low. Backpackers should carry their water to ensure they have enough. Waterfalls are not running.
State Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher has issued a burn ban for Marion, Robertson, Rutherford, Sequatchie, Smith, Wilson and Van Buren counties. The burn ban is effective immediately and will remain in place until further notice.
State Park areas impacted by the burn ban include
Bledsoe Creek State Park (Ban lifted 10/07/2019)
Cumberland Trail State Scenic Park: Portions near Dunlap, Tennessee, and parts of North Chick.
Fall Creek Falls State Park (Ban lifted 10/16/2019)
Frozen Head State Park (Ban lifted 10/21/2019
Long Hunter State Park (Ban lifted 10/07/2019)
Port Royal State Park (Ban lifted 10/07/2019)
South Cumberland State Park: Father Adamz, Savage Station, Small Wilds, and Foster Falls Campgrounds.
Campfires, cooking fires, burn barrels, and grills (gas or wood-fired) are some of the prohibited types of fires. Natural or propane gas grills are acceptable.
A violation of a Commissioner of Agriculture imposed burn ban is considered reckless burning and is punishable as a Class A misdemeanor which carries a fine of $2,500 and/or up to 11 months 29 days in jail.
Weather conditions remain dry across the state. You can learn more about fire safety and view any active or new burn bans at burnsafetn.org