The Hendersonville Fire Department has banned all outdoor burning and revoked every active burn permit in the city, citing high temperatures and a rising drought index.

The ban, announced Tuesday, Sept. 22, covers residential fire pits, campfires, bonfires and yard debris burning, the department said in a Facebook post. No new burn permits will be issued while the ban is in place.

The department is also discouraging fires that do not normally require a permit, including small, contained fire pits, according to the Sumner County Source.

The ban has no set end date. It will remain in effect until the Fire Marshal or Fire Chief lifts it.

Dry conditions across Middle Tennessee

The ban comes as Middle Tennessee faces some of the driest conditions in more than a century. Nashville recorded zero measurable rainfall in the first 20 days of September, only the third time that has happened since 1871, WKRN reported. If Nashville finishes September with no measurable rainfall, it would be the first time on record. WKRN reported that grass fires and wildfires could become a problem if dry conditions persist.

Hendersonville is not alone in restricting burning. The Mt. Juliet Fire Department also announced a burn ban on Monday, Sept. 21, citing the same dry and hot conditions across the region, WSMV reported.

What residents should know

The ban applies to all burning in Hendersonville, whether or not a permit was previously issued. Residents who held active burn permits should consider those permits revoked.

Residents can monitor the Hendersonville Fire Department's Facebook page for updates on when the ban is lifted.