Fire Regulations in Kenosha, WI (2026)
3 verified fire regulations for Kenosha, Wisconsin, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires
Kenosha allows recreational fires in outdoor fireplaces or fire pits under Code § 3.19(B)(5), but only with the property owner's permission, at least 15 feet from any building or lot line, on a stable surface, and never on a combustible deck, porch, or patio; wood fires may run only between 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
Kenosha Recreational Fire Pit Rules
Some RestrictionsKenosha Code of General Ordinances § 3.19(B)(5)
Recreational Fires contained within outdoor fireplaces or fire pits subject to the following conditions:a.Permission of the property owner is required before starting a fire....d.Fireplaces or fire pits shall not be used within fifteen (15) feet of a building or lot line....f.Fireplaces or fire pits shall not be used on any combustible deck, porch, or patio.g.Only clean, dry wood is permitted t...
Outdoor Burning
Kenosha bans open burning citywide under Code § 3.19(B): "Open burning and sky lanterns are prohibited" except for narrow uses like welding, contained cooking fires kept 10 feet from buildings, firefighter training, permitted bonfires, and recreational fire pits, with fire officials empowered to order any noncompliant fire extinguished on sight.
Kenosha's Open Burning Prohibition
Significant RestrictionsKenosha Code of General Ordinances § 3.19(B)
Open Burning and sky lanterns are prohibited with the following exceptions:1.Small open flames for welding, acetylene torches, safety flares, heating tar or similar applications.2.Outdoor fires for cooking, but only if said fire is contained in a device made of metal, concrete or brick, and specifically designed for the cooking of food by heat, steam or smoke; said device is to be located not c...
Smoke Detectors
Kenosha's Property Maintenance Code requires a functional smoke detector in every dwelling, dwelling unit and lodging room, with placement rules that get stricter by construction date and building type, up through hardwired, interconnected detectors in newer multifamily buildings.
Kenosha Smoke Detector Placement Rules
Some RestrictionsKenosha, WI Code of General Ordinances § 16.25(F)(1)
Smoke Detectors. The Responsible Person of a Dwelling, Dwelling Unit and Lodging Room shall install a functional Smoke Detector as follows:a.One- and Two-Family Dwellings Constructed Prior to June 1, 1980.(1)In the Basement of the Dwelling.(2)On each floor, except the attic or storage area of each Dwelling Unit.b.One- and Two-Family Dwellings Constructed After June 1, 1980.(1)In the Basement.(2...
Looking for Kenosha County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Kenosha city rules.
Fire Regulations in Kenosha County →