Fire Regulations in Appleton, WI (2026)
5 verified fire regulations for Appleton, Wisconsin, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires
Recreational fire pits, outdoor fireplaces and open cooking fires in Appleton need a Fire Department permit unless the fire is fueled by natural gas, propane or charcoal in a commercially manufactured appliance. Permitted fires must sit at least 10 feet from any building, fence or property line.
Appleton Recreational Fire Pit Rules
Significant RestrictionsAppleton Municipal Code § 6-12(a)
No open outdoor fires, including fires confined within outdoor fireplaces and outdoor cooking fires, with the exception of fires fueled by natural gas, propane or charcoal in commercially manufactured appliances or a non-commercially manufactured appliance approved by the Fire Chief or his/her designee, shall be started by any person unless a permit is first obtained from the Fire Department. ....
Fireworks
Appleton adopts Wisconsin's fireworks statute, Wis. Stat. § 167.10, banning consumer fireworks use citywide except under a Mayor-issued permit. Public authorities, fair associations, amusement parks and civic groups may hold a supervised display only after the Fire Chief investigates and the Mayor approves the plan.
Appleton Fireworks Sale and Discharge Rules
Significant RestrictionsAppleton Municipal Code § 10-5
(a) Adoption of state law. W.S.A. §167.10 regulating the sale and use of fireworks, exclusive of any penalty imposed thereby, is adopted by reference and made a part of this chapter as though set forth in full. (b) Permits. Fireworks other than those prohibited by the laws of the state may be used and displayed in open fields, parks, rivers, lakes and ponds by public authorities, fair associati...
Outdoor Burning
Appleton bans burning garbage, leaves or yard waste in outdoor incinerators anywhere in the city, and no waste, refuse or trash burner may operate on any property without approval from the Inspections Supervisor and the Fire Chief. Violators face citation under the fire code's general penalty.
Appleton Trash and Yard Waste Burning Ban
Significant RestrictionsAppleton Municipal Code § 6-11
No person shall build, maintain or allow to be operated or maintained on a premises controlled by him/her, any waste burner, refuse burner, trash burner or other similar appliance unless such device is permitted with the approval of the Inspections Supervisor and the Fire Chief, or his/her designee. ... No person shall operate an outside incinerator, ... burn garbage, or leaves within the City.
Smoke Detectors
Appleton requires at least one approved smoke alarm in every dwelling unit, with existing units held to the state Uniform Dwelling Code standard, and bars conveying a dwelling that lacks compliant alarms. The Fire Prevention Division and Division of Inspections handle guidance and new-construction checks under City Code Sec. 6-60.
Appleton Smoke Alarm Requirements
Some RestrictionsAppleton Municipal Code Sec. 6-60(b)
Each dwelling unit shall be provided with a minimum of one (1) approved smoke alarm installed in a manner and location consistent with its listing. The Fire Department Fire Prevention Division can be contacted for recommendations when an owner is concerned about the installation and number of smoke alarms. ... All existing dwelling units must meet the requirement of the State of Wisconsin Unifo...
Propane Storage
Outdoor liquefied petroleum gas storage tanks over 500 pounds capacity must sit on a solid, nonflammable footing with a gravel or stone base extending at least 2 feet beyond the tank in every direction, and must be sited under national NFPA 58 standards.
Appleton Propane Tank Storage Limits
Some RestrictionsAppleton Municipal Code § 4-524(k)
Gas storage tanks. All outside storage tanks for the storage of liquefied petroleum gas that exceed five hundred (500) pounds capacity shall be on a solid, nonflammable footing and gravel or stone base area which extends beyond the tank in all directions for a minimum distance of two (2) feet. All such storage tanks shall be located per NFPA 58.
Looking for Outagamie County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Appleton city rules.
Fire Regulations in Outagamie County →