NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The wildfire season has arrived in Tennessee and state Forestry Division officials have a new tool that might make it a safer one.
The fire season began Monday and lasts until May 15. Officials say the outlook for the number of fires is about the same as last season, when 737 fires burned a total of 9,912 acres.
Despite drought conditions that existed at one time or another over the summer nearly everywhere except the mountains, timely rains in late summer and into the fall have improved field and woods moisture.
For the first time statewide, people can apply and receive a burn permit online at any time on any day that conditions are favorable.
Applying online at burnsafetn.org gives people access to tips on safe burning.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
