Smyrna okays first outdoor burning law

For the first time, Smyrna has a law about outdoor burning that has been approved by the Smyrna City Council.

“With a dense population in a relatively small geographic area, outdoor burning of yard waste and trash has become an issue,” according to City Administrator Tammi Saddler Jones.

Now Smyrna city officials will allow only the burning of “clean wood” through issuance of free Residential Burn Permits from Oct. 1 to March 31, Jones said.

Burning recreational fires in outdoor fireplaces, chimineas, fire pits and barbecue grills will not require the issuance of a permit but only will allow clean wood or charcoal as a fuel source, she said.

No burning of leaves, plastic, rubber or trash will be allowed, she added.

Section 50-7 will protect residents who are “adversely affected by the smoke due to a medical condition.”

Also, Smyrna Fire Chief Roy Acree is authorized to ban outdoor burning when “atmospheric or local conditions make outdoor burning hazardous” and when it “adversely interferes with the enjoyment of life or use of property.”