Fire Regulations in Milwaukee County, WI (2026)
4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires
There is no county-wide backyard fire pit ordinance; recreational fires on private property are governed by each city, village, or town fire code. On county parks, Ordinance 47.05(4) allows a fire only in a place the county provides.
Milwaukee County Fire Pit and Recreational Fire Rules
Some RestrictionsMilwaukee County Gen. Ord. 47.05(4)
No person shall make or kindle a fire for any purpose except in places provided therefor, and then subject to such regulations as may be prescribed.(5)Deposit of tin cans, bottles and glassware forbidden except in waste container; removal of broken tin cans, bottles or glassware.(a)No person shall deposit any tin cans, bottles or other glassware after the same have been used in any place in a p...
Fireworks
Consumer fireworks in Wisconsin are governed by Wis. Stat. 167.10 and by each city, village, or town, not the county. Sparklers under 36 inches, caps, and poppers are exempt; aerial and exploding items need a local user's permit.
Milwaukee County Fireworks: State and Park Rules
Some RestrictionsWis. Stat. 167.10(3)(a)
No person may possess or use fireworks without a user's permit from the mayor of the city, president of the village or chairperson of the town.
Outdoor Burning
Open burning in Wisconsin is regulated by the DNR under NR 429 and by each municipality, not by Milwaukee County. NR 429.04 allows only small amounts of dry rubbish, leaves, and clippings unless a local ordinance bans it. Most urban municipalities prohibit residential burning.
Milwaukee County Open Burning: DNR and Local Rules
Heavy RestrictionsWis. Admin. Code NR 429.04(1)(L)
Burning of small amounts of dry leaves and dry plant clippings except where prohibited by local ordinance.
Smoke Detectors
Smoke detector rules in Milwaukee County come from Wisconsin state law, Wis. Stat. 101.145, not a county ordinance. Owners must install detectors in the basement, at each stairway head, and in or near each sleeping area, on penalty of up to $50 per day.
Milwaukee County Smoke Detector Requirements
Some RestrictionsWis. Stat. 101.145(5)
Whoever violates this section shall forfeit to the state not more than $50 for each day of violation.
Fire Regulations by City in Milwaukee County
3 cities in Milwaukee County have their own fire regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Milwaukee County ordinances
See every category we cover for Milwaukee County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Milwaukee County Ordinance Hub →