Outdoor Burning: Fitchburg vs Madison
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Fitchburg, WI and Madison, WI?
Fitchburg has fewer restrictions than Madison.
Fitchburg, WI
Dane County
Outdoor burning regulated by WI DNR and local ordinance. Fitchburg may prohibit most open burning. Garbage burning always illegal. DNR permits required in protection areas.
View full Fitchburg rules →Madison, WI
Dane County
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.
View full Madison rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fitchburg | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Trash Burning | Always prohibited | - |
| DNR Permit | Required in protection areas | - |
| County Bans | During high fire danger | - |
| State Law | WI Stat. §26.12 | - |
| City Code | - | MGO Chapter 10 |
| Yard Waste | - | Burning prohibited |
| Alternative | - | Free city drop-off |
| DNR Permits | - | Do not apply in city |
| Exceptions | - | Recreational only |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fitchburg FAQ
Can I burn yard waste?
Most cities prohibit it. Use compost/yard waste collection. Rural areas may need a DNR permit.
What about recreational fires?
Recreational fires in approved containers are a separate category. See fire pit rules.
Madison FAQ
Can I burn leaves in the fall?
No. Madison prohibits leaf burning year-round. Use curbside collection or drop-off sites.
Does a WI DNR burn permit cover Madison?
No. DNR permits apply only in rural protection areas. Madison ordinances are stricter and supersede.
Compare other topics
See how Fitchburg and Madison compare on other ordinance categories.
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