'Only You' can prevent wildfires

The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance and the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) are raising awareness with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry (TDF) about the importance of wildfire preparedness ahead of Wildfire Community Preparedness Day on Saturday, May 2, 2026.  

Every year during Tennessee’s fire season, approximately 1,000 wildfires burn an average of 16,000 acres, affecting 87% of Tennessee’s population. As new developments continue to grow near wildlands, the risk increases. According to the TDF, 64% of all buildings in Tennessee are directly at risk. 

Created by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Wildfire Community Preparedness Day encourages fire departments, homeowners, and communities to take action on this day to raise awareness and reduce wildfire risks. 

“In order to make Tennessee safer from wildfires, I encourage everyone to take time to evaluate their wildfire risk and take the necessary steps to help prevent a fire that could have devastating consequences for our state,” said TDCI Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Carter Lawrence. 

“Wildfires don’t stop at property lines - they can move through entire neighborhoods. When communities work together to become fire adapted by taking proactive steps to protect their people, properties, and infrastructure from wildfires, they reduce both fire risk and potential fire impact,” said State Forester Heather Slayton. “Doing the hard work in advance gives homes, families, and communities a significant advantage if a wildfire occurs in their area. Ultimately, wildfire preparedness isn’t just a checklist; it is a mindset communities cultivate together.”  

Research shows that there are proven methods for preparing properties to withstand the devastating impacts of wildfires. To help consumers, here are some easy steps that can be taken today that can help reduce the risk of wildfire.  

• Rake and remove pine needles and dry leaves within a minimum of 3 to 5 feet of a home’s foundation. If you have the time, continue raking up to a 30-foot distance around the home. Dispose of collected debris in appropriate trash receptacles.    
• Clean leaves and other debris from your roof and gutters. 
• Using a measuring tape, see how close wood piles are located to your home. If they are closer than 30 feet, relocate them to at least 30 feet away from structures.   
• Sweep porches and decks, clearing them of leaves, pine needles, and sticks. Rake under decks, porches, sheds, and play structures.  
• Mow grasses to a height of four inches or less.  
• Remove items stored under decks and porches and relocate them to a storage shed, garage or basement. Gasoline cans and portable propane tanks should never be stored indoors and should be located away from the home.  
• Cover vents on your home with 1/16-inch to 1/8-inch mesh to prevent embers from entering attics or crawl spaces. 

TDCI and TDF also recommend that individuals and local leaders work together to become fire adapted communities by taking proactive steps to reduce fire risk and its impact on residents, infrastructure, and the natural environment. Resources for communities can be found on TDF’s wildland fire website and on NFPA’s Firewise USA website.  

To help improve consumer fire safety at home, the State Fire Marshal’s Office began the “Get Alarmed, Tennessee!” program in 2012. Since its inception, over 342,000 smoke alarms have been distributed to Tennessee fire departments and partner organizations across the state. Earlier this year, the program was expanded to include carbon monoxide detectors as well. So far, 524 residents have been alerted to fires in their homes and escaped without serious injury thanks to smoke alarms installed through the program. 

To request a free smoke or carbon monoxide alarms, consumers should contact their local fire department and ask if their department participates in the “Get Alarmed, Tennessee!” program or request one online.