Fire Regulations in Madison, WI (2026)
8 verified fire regulations for Madison, Wisconsin, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pit Rules
Madison allows recreational fire pits under MGO Chapter 10, limited to clean seasoned firewood in approved containers no larger than 3 feet in diameter. Fires must be attended, at least 25 feet from structures, and extinguished at night.
Fire: Fire Pit Rules
Some RestrictionsFireworks
Madison bans nearly all consumer fireworks under MGO 23.05, following WI Stat 167.10 which allows cities to further restrict. Only sparklers, snakes, smoke bombs, and stationary cone fountains are permitted without a permit.
Fire: Fireworks
Heavy RestrictionsWis. Stat. §167.10
167.10 Regulation of fireworks. (1) Definition. In this section, "fireworks" means anything manufactured, processed or packaged for exploding, emitting sparks or combustion which does not have another common use, but does not include any of the following: (a) Fuel or a lubricant. (b) A firearm cartridge or shotgun shell. [...] (i) A sparkler on a wire or wood stick not exceeding 36 inches in le...
Brush Clearance
Madison requires property owners to clear brush, tall grass, and dead vegetation that create fire or nuisance hazards under MGO 27.05. The Urban Forestry Division and Building Inspection coordinate enforcement in wooded lots and near lakeshores.
Fire: Brush Clearance
Some RestrictionsOutdoor Burning
Madison prohibits general open burning under MGO Chapter 10. Only small recreational fires and approved cooking fires are allowed. WI DNR open burning permits do not apply inside city limits because Madison sets its own stricter rules.
Fire: Outdoor Burning
Heavy RestrictionsWildfire Zones
Madison is not mapped in a formal wildland-urban interface zone. Wildfire risk is low due to the urban setting, but natural areas along the Ice Age Trail, Cherokee Marsh, and the UW Arboretum carry seasonal grass and marsh fire risk managed by WI DNR and city parks.
Fire: Wildfire Zones
Few RestrictionsSmoke Detectors
Madison enforces WI Stat 101.145 requiring smoke alarms on every floor and in every sleeping room of residential dwellings. Rental properties must have interconnected alarms verified at each tenant turnover under MGO 27.05.
Fire: Smoke Detectors
Heavy RestrictionsBackyard Fires
Backyard recreational fires are allowed in Madison under MGO Chapter 10 with strict limits: clean wood only, 3 foot maximum fuel pile, 25 foot setback from structures, and constant adult supervision. No permit required for compliant fires.
Fire: Backyard Fires
Some RestrictionsPropane Storage
Madison Fire Department enforces NFPA 58 propane storage standards adopted via Wis. UBC under Wis. Stat. §101.65. Residential tanks above 125 gallons need permits; setbacks from buildings and ignition sources are required.
Propane Tank Storage Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Dane County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Madison city rules.
Fire Regulations in Dane County →