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By Buzz Trexler

Star Correspondent

Elizabethton residents who need to burn small amounts of vegetative debris can do so by obtaining a permit, but there is no fee involved following action by City Council during Thursday night’s regular meeting.

Those wishing to burn debris must obtain a permit, which can be obtained by calling the Fire Department between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the following non-emergency numbers at city fire stations: 423-542-5421, 423-542-5851, and 423-547-6380.

Once a permit is requested, Elizabethton Fire Department personnel will come to inspect the burn pile and either approve or deny the permit. The permit may be denied due to weather conditions, traffic impedance, or other safety concerns.

“We’ll go look at it,” City Fire Chief Barry Carrier told council members. “We don’t expect people to burn logs and trees and large things that need to be removed, but the small stuff.”

The moratorium on fees, which is in effect through Nov. 7, was recommended by city staff in discussion with Carrier, and with the approval of Fire Marshal Jeremiah Tolley.

Guidelines for the temporary debris burning are as follows:

— The debris shall only contain natural vegetation.

— No household debris shall be burned.

— The debris pile shall not be taller than 4 feet and no larger than 6 feet in diameter.

— The debris pile shall not be within 50 feet of any structure or combustible material.

— Residents should notify their neighbors of their plan to burn.

— Wide control lines must be established down to bare mineral soil at least 5 feet wide around the burn pile.

— Keep fire containment equipment – such as a rake, shovel, heavy equipment, and water – on hand during the fire.

— Stay with the fire until it’s completely extinguished.