Rock County, WI Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Rock County, WI, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- County-wide rule
- None; town/municipal control
- Containment
- Ring, barrel or fire pit required
- Attendance
- Constant, adult until cold
- Weather
- Follow DNR daily burn restrictions
- Example ordinance
- Town of Fulton Ch. 231
Summary
Rock County has no county-wide fire-pit code; rules are set by your town, city or village. In the unincorporated towns, small recreational fires must be confined in a ring, barrel or pit, constantly attended, and follow town burn-permit rules and Wisconsin DNR burn restrictions.
Outdoor campfires and small bonfires for cooking, ceremonies or recreation are allowed, provided that the fire is confined by a control device or structure such as a barrel, fire ring, or fire pit... Open burning shall be constantly attended and supervised by a competent person of at least 18 years of age until the fire is extinguished and is cold.
Full Breakdown
Recreational and cooking fires in Rock County are governed at the town/municipal level. The Town of Fulton's fire-safety ordinance is a typical example: campfires and small bonfires for cooking, ceremony or recreation are allowed only if confined by a control device or structure such as a barrel, fire ring or fire pit, and the fire must be constantly attended by a competent person at least 18 years old until it is cold. Bonfires need Fire Chief approval. Because open burning statewide must conform to Wisconsin DNR rules (NR 429) and daily DNR burn restrictions, a fire pit is legal only when conditions and any required burn permit allow.
Violations & Fines
Enforced by the local fire department under town ordinance; unattended or out-of-compliance fires draw forfeitures and cost recovery for suppression. Amounts are set by each municipality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit?
Can I leave my fire pit burning unattended?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rock County
How Rock County compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Rock County to another location·View the Wisconsin fire regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.