How West Allis Handles Fire Regulations: A Practical Guide
West Allis maintains 89 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with fire regulations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where West Allis falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Outdoor Burning
West Allis bans open burning of leaves, garden refuse, wood and other combustible material citywide, with narrow exceptions for grills, tobacco and fully enclosed wood-burning devices under the Fire Prevention Code.
Key details: General rule: Open burning prohibited citywide. Grill/tobacco exception: Always allowed. Enclosed device exception: Metal hood and screen required. Burn-ban authority: Fire Chief, during dry conditions. Penalty: $25-$500 forfeiture per day.
Violating the burning ban is a Fire Code offense carrying a forfeiture of $25 to $500 plus prosecution costs under § 5.14, with each day of continued burning treated as a separate offense.
This is one of the stricter rules in West Allis's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires
West Allis allows only fully enclosed wood-burning devices as an exception to its open-burning ban, and requires them to sit 10 feet from structures, run only 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., and stay attended at all times.
Key details: Setback from structures: 10 feet minimum. Allowed hours: 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.. Device requirement: Metal hood and screen enclosure. Attendance: Competent person must directly observe. Suspension trigger: Fire Chief dry-conditions burn ban.
Using an enclosed burning device too close to a structure, after 11:00 p.m., unattended, or during a Fire Chief burn ban risks a Fire Code citation of $25 to $500 per day under § 5.14.
Smoke Detectors
West Allis Fire Department enforces the state smoke-detector mandate under RMC § 5.10: if an owner ignores a five-day notice, the department can install detectors or batteries and bill the owner, on top of escalating fines for the violation.
Key details: Citation: RMC § 5.10, Fire Prevention Code. Notice period: 5 days to fix after notice. 1st fine: $25 plus costs. 3rd+ fine: $100 plus costs per violation. Backup option: Fire Dept. can install and bill.
First violation in a calendar year: $25 plus costs. Second: $50 plus costs. Third and subsequent violations: $100 plus costs, under § 5.10.
The Bottom Line
West Allis's fire regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming West Allis is broadly strict or permissive.
This guide is based on West Allis's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.