Wildfire Zones: Madison vs Middleton
How do wildfire zones rules compare between Madison, WI and Middleton, WI?
Madison and Middleton have similar restriction levels.
Madison, WI
Dane County
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.
View full Madison rules →Middleton, WI
Dane County
Dane County is not designated as a high wildfire hazard zone; Wisconsin regulates wildfire primarily through DNR burning permits under Wis. Stat. §26.12 and §26.14, with no defensible-space ordinance in Madison or unincorporated Dane County.
View full Middleton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Madison | Middleton |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | Low | - |
| Hot Spots | Cherokee Marsh, Arboretum | - |
| Prescribed Burns | WI DNR managed | - |
| Code | Standard WI UDC | - |
| Season | Spring and late fall | - |
| DNR Permit | - | Wis. Stat. §26.12 burn permits |
| Protected Season | - | Jan 1 - May 31 typically |
| Madison | - | Open burning banned (MGO §34.702) |
| Hazard Zone | - | Not designated high-risk |
| Suppression Cost | - | Liable under §26.21 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Madison FAQ
Does Madison have fire hazard zone maps?
No. Wisconsin does not use CAL FIRE style severity zones. Risk is managed through DNR advisories.
Should I worry about prairie fires near the Arboretum?
Prescribed burns are announced in advance. Wildfires are rare but defensible space is still prudent.
Middleton FAQ
Are there defensible-space requirements in Dane County?
No. Wisconsin does not impose defensible-space clearance rules in Dane County. DNR Firewise guidelines are voluntary best practices, not mandates.
Do I need a permit to burn brush in rural Dane County?
Yes, from the Wisconsin DNR under Wis. Stat. §26.12 during the protected burning season, and only when daily conditions allow. Check dnr.wi.gov before burning. Burning is banned inside Madison city limits.
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