Here's what to know about having a fire pit or bonfire in Milwaukee and surrounding suburbs
Alex Groth
Summer is here. It's time to break out the marshmallows and other campfire food and roast them over your outdoor fire pits.
Before you start the fire, make sure your firepit or bonfire follows local laws and safety guidelines.
Here's what you need to know.
Are firepits allowed in Milwaukee?
Yes. Residents can have backyard fire pits "built of metal, concrete or brick, well covered or screened to prevent the escape of sparkling and burning embers." Pits need to be placed at least 15 feet from any combustible structure, according to a city ordinance.
A charcoal or gas grill outside a single-family or 2-family home is exempt from the 15-feet requirement.
What about the suburbs?
Most suburbs allow residents to have an outdoor fire pit, but each community has its own requirements for the size of the fire and proximity to other structures. Make sure to contact your local municipality's clerk office to make sure the fire doesn't violate any rules.
Here are some examples:
- Wauwatosa: Yes, you can have a fire pit in Wauwatosa. The pit must be ground level. The fire pit must be at least 25 feet from any structure, trees or shrubbery.
- West Allis: Open burning is prohibited in the City of West Allis, but a device for burning of wood that is equipped with a metal hood and screen and can completely enclose the area is allowed. Devices cannot be used on porches or decks or within 10 feet of a structure. Burning is not allowed between 11p.m. and 8a.m.
- Brookfield: Recreational fires are only allowed during the hours of 12p.m. and 11p.m. The fire pit must be a minimum of 10 feet from any building or structure, and a minimum of 20 feet away from property lines
- Waukesha: Fire pits are allowed in residential districts between 3p.m. and 12a.m. Outdoor burning can not be conducted less than 25 feet from any building or structure.
Heading to a state park this summer? Here's how to start a campfire.
Fires are allowed in fire rings and grills only at Wisconsin State parks. Campers can only burn certified firewood or firewood originating from within 10 miles of the park. Firewood is available for sale at or near most state park properties. Certified firewood dealers can be located through the DATPC website at datcp.wi.gov.
What to know before starting a fire
- Make sure to check the weather before starting a bonfire. Avoid starting a fire under windy conditions
- Make sure the area adjacent to the fire is free of flammables
- Never leave the fire unattended. Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving the area
- A fire extinguisher, garden hose or other means of extinguishment must be readily near the fire in case of emergency
- Position any chairs so people can move without risking tumbling into the fire
- If your fire starts spreading beyond the fire pit, call 911
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Contact Alex Groth at agroth@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @grothalexandria.