De Pere, WI Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)

Section 58-9 of the De Pere Code of Ordinances prohibits open burning citywide, but subsection (b) carves out an exemption for recreational fires: a campfire or cooking fire at a single-family or two-family private residence that meets ten specific conditions. The fire pit must sit at least 15 feet from any building, structure, shed, garage, or other combustible material, and the fire itself cannot exceed a two-foot diameter or extend more than two feet above the pit. The pit must be ringed on the outside with noncombustible material such as concrete block or rock, and any portable fire pit has to be used according to the manufacturer's instructions on a noncombustible surface.

Only naturally occurring, unprocessed wood is allowed as fuel: rubbish, garbage, recyclables, trash, rubber, plastic, leather, petroleum-based material, leaves and yard waste are all off-limits. The fire can't be lit, or must be put out, whenever wind will carry smoke or embers toward a building, and it must be extinguished immediately if a neighbor complains about nuisance smoke. A responsible adult of at least 18 must attend the fire from ignition until it is completely out, and fire suppression equipment must be on hand. Renters need the property owner's written permission before starting a recreational fire, and whoever starts one is on the hook for any fire department service call caused by a fire that breaks these rules.