FRANKLIN, Tenn. -
With the extremely dry conditions, Franklin police are actively on the lookout for anyone who improperly disposes of a cigarette.
"During these high temperatures and draught like conditions it becomes increasingly more dangerous to improperly dispose of a cigarette," Sgt. Brian Woodward told Nashville's News 2, "Therefore the city Franklin] is becoming more aggressive in our enforcement of that law."
Officers will be actively on the lookout for anyone breaking the law.
Sgt. Woodward said, "In the past it was the officer's discretion whether or not to issue a citation. Now with the conditions being what they are, the fact that it is more dangerous, we're adopting the zero tolerance policy.
The zero tolerance policy means that anyone caught will be cited. Violators are subject to a $50 fine, in addition to court costs.
Officers said if careless disposal of a cigarette were to cause a fire resulting in property damage or injury, additional criminal and civil penalties could be applicable.
Authorities remind residents improperly disposing a cigarette is always illegal no matter what the weather conditions are.
Williamson County is among many Mid-State counties that are currently under a burn ban.
