McBride jailed for burning tires

People who burn substances which contaminate the environment may not only face fines ‘ they may also serve jail time.

That’s what happened to a local man, who continued to defy environmental officers and burn tires on his property.

‘It’s important for the public to understand there are items it is illegal to burn at any time during the year to protect our air from pollution,’ said Dana Coleman of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. ‘Tennesseans are entitled to clean air, and smoke from burning these illegal items can cause serious health problems, especially for children and the elderly.’

Local resident Wendell McBride was recently prosecuted for repeatedly burning tires and was convicted on three counts of the violating the Tennessee Clean Air Act. McBride ended up having to serve 48 hours for the burning and 48 hours for contempt of court. He was also fined $100 for each offense.

Coleman said specifically, in Tennessee, it is illegal to burn tires and rubber products, vinyl siding and shingles, asphalt roofing materials, building materials and construction debris.

It is also illegal to burn plywood-oriented strand board and treated wood including railroad ties, asbestos containing materials, aerosol cans and food cans, paints and household agricultural chemicals, copper wire and electric wires, plastics, paper products, cardboard and newspaper, and even leaves, branches and trees not grown on the same property where the burning is being held.

While open burning is allowed for non-banned items, Coleman said those wishing to burn are still required to obtain a burning permit between Oct. 15 and May 15. Certain municipalities have even stricter permit requirements, such as McMinnville which requires a permit year round. Failure to have a permit can lead to a fine as high as $25,000.

Citizens may report open burning violations by calling 1-888-891-8332.