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Fire Regulations in Waukesha County, WI (2026)

5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Waukesha County, Wisconsin.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Waukesha County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Fire Pits & Backyard Fires

Recreational backyard fires are governed by your municipality. In the Town of Waukesha, outdoor fires must use an approved incinerator or a permit, stay 20 feet from structures, be attended at all times, and never burn in high wind, dry conditions or after dark.

Backyard Fire Rules in Waukesha County, Wisconsin

Some Restrictions

Town of Waukesha Sec. 5-2-8(f)

No burning when wind velocity exceeds 15 MPH or dry conditions exist ... Burning allowed only during daylight hours, completely extinguished at night ... Fire must be attended at all times.

Fireworks

Waukesha County bans fireworks throughout its unincorporated towns by adopting Wis. Stat. § 167.10(1) as a county offense, with a local forfeiture of $25 to $100 per violation. Inside county parks, fireworks are banned outright under a separate park-specific rule, with an exception only for exhibitions conducted under the director's direction or permission.

Fireworks Rules in Waukesha County, Wisconsin

Heavy Restrictions

Waukesha County Code §§ 13-102(c)1,(d)1; 14-156(a)1

1. 167.10(1): possession, use or distribution of fireworks; ... 1. 167.10(1): possession, use or distribution of fireworks, not less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) or more than one hundred dollars ($100.00); ... 1. No person shall possess or discharge any fireworks regulated by s. 167.10(1), Wis. Stats. in parks except that exhibitions of fireworks given under the direction or by the permiss...

Outdoor Burning

Wisconsin DNR rules and your municipality control open burning. You may burn only small amounts of dry leaves, clean untreated wood and unrecyclable paper; garbage, plastic, rubber and treated wood are prohibited. A DNR or local burning permit is often required.

Outdoor Burning Rules in Waukesha County, Wisconsin

Some Restrictions

Town of Waukesha Sec. 5-2-8(a)

It shall be unlawful for any person to burn in an outdoor incinerator any garbage, trash, plastic, rubber products, asphalt type materials or any other such related materials which create by such burning a smoke or odor nuisance.

Smoke Detectors

Wisconsin state law (Wis. Stat. 101.145) requires a functional smoke detector in the basement, at the head of each stairway, and in or within 6 feet of each sleeping area. Landlords must repair a reported non-working detector within 5 days.

Smoke Detector Rules in Waukesha County, Wisconsin

Some Restrictions

Wis. Stat. 101.145(3)(c)

The owner shall provide, within 5 days after receipt of that notice, any maintenance necessary to make that smoke detector functional.

Propane Storage

Propane (LP-gas) storage is regulated statewide by Wisconsin SPS 340, which adopts NFPA 58 for container design, siting and clearances. Only the container's owner or an authorized person may fill or refill it. Local zoning and fire codes may add setbacks.

Propane Storage Rules in Waukesha County, Wisconsin

Some Restrictions

Wis. Admin. Code SPS 340

No person other than the owner of a liquefied petroleum gas container or a person authorized by the owner may fill, refill, evacuate, or use in any other manner the container for any purpose.

Fire Regulations by City in Waukesha County

1 cities in Waukesha County have their own fire regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

All Waukesha County ordinances

See every category we cover for Waukesha County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

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