How Ashwaubenon Handles Fire Regulations: A Practical Guide

Ashwaubenon maintains 112 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with fire regulations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Ashwaubenon falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Outdoor Burning

The Village of Ashwaubenon's Fire Inspection Division chief can declare a burning ban whenever weather conditions create a serious fire risk, barring open fires, dropped ashes near vegetation, and unauthorized fireworks until conditions improve. Violators face the Village's general penalty, a forfeiture up to $5,000.

Key details: Governing section: Ashwaubenon Municipal Code § 13-2-5. Who can declare a ban: Chief of Public Safety. Trigger: Serious threat of fire to life/property. Ban lifts: Automatically when threat conditions end. First-offense penalty: $1 to $5,000 forfeiture, up to 90 days jail.

Violating a burning ban or restriction issued under Section 13-2-5 falls under Section 13-1-5, which routes any violation of Chapter 13 to the Village's general penalty at Section 1-1-13. A first offense carries a forfeiture of not less than $1.00 nor more than $5,000.00 plus costs of prosecution, with up to 90 days in the county jail if the forfeiture and costs go unpaid. A second offense for the same ordinance within one year carries the same forfeiture range but up to six months of jail time in default of payment. Each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense under Section 1-1-13(B).

This is one of the stricter rules in Ashwaubenon's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Fireworks

The Village of Ashwaubenon bans possessing, using or selling fireworks except under a permit issued by the Chief of Public Safety. Public pyrotechnic displays need 15 days' advance notice, a site plan and $1,000,000 liability insurance. Violators face a forfeiture of $50 to $1,000, with each day of violation a separate offense.

Key details: General fine range: $50 to $1,000 per violation. Display permit lead time: 15 days advance application. Retail permit fee: $500 annually. Required liability insurance: $1,000,000 minimum. Storage buffer from dwellings: 50 feet minimum.

Any violation of Section 9-1-4 carries a forfeiture of not less than $50 nor more than $1,000, and each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense. The Chief of Public Safety enforces the section and may seize fireworks used, stored, sold or possessed unlawfully, at the violator's expense, in addition to the forfeiture.

Compared to other cities, Ashwaubenon takes a harder line on fireworks. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Fire Pits & Backyard Fires

Ashwaubenon bans wood-burning fire pits at licensed short-term rentals on any balcony, deck, or under an overhang, and within the setback distance the code prints as twenty-five feet from a structure. Outdoor gas fire pits must instead be UL-listed and meet the manufacturer's own setback under Village Code Section 6-13-27(8)-(9).

Key details: Wood fire pit setback: Code prints 'twenty (25) feet'. Wood fire pit ban zones: Balconies, decks, under overhangs. Gas fire pit setback: Set by manufacturer or UL listing. Gas fire pit standard: Must be listed and labeled. Applies to: Licensed short-term rentals only.

Operating a noncompliant wood-burning or gas fire pit at a licensed short-term rental violates Section 6-13-27(8)-(9), one of Article 13's minimum standards. Under Section 6-13-30(B) the Village Board may revoke, suspend, or refuse to renew the property's short-term rental license for the violation, and Section 6-13-31 exposes the owner to a Municipal Court bond-schedule forfeiture, charged separately for each day the violation continues.

Smoke Detectors

The Village of Ashwaubenon adopts the Wisconsin smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector code by reference under its own Fire Prevention Code, and its Fire Inspection Division can order battery-powered detectors that fail three consecutive inspections replaced with hardwired units. Violations carry the Village's general forfeiture penalty of $1 to $5,000 per offense.

Key details: Governing chapter: Village Code ch. 13, Art. 3, Fire Prevention Code. State standard adopted: Wis. Admin. Code ch. SPS 328, by reference. Hardwire order trigger: 3 consecutive failed inspections of battery detectors. First-offense penalty: $1 to $5,000 forfeiture plus costs. Repeat offense default: Up to 6 months jail if unpaid.

First-offense violations, including noncompliance with a § 13-2-6 hardwiring order, forfeit not less than $1.00 nor more than $5,000.00 plus prosecution costs, with jail up to 90 days if the forfeiture goes unpaid. A repeat violation of the same ordinance within one year carries the same forfeiture range but up to six months in default. Each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense under § 1-1-13.

The Bottom Line

Ashwaubenon is tougher than many cities when it comes to fire regulations. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Ashwaubenon, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Ashwaubenon's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.