Janesville, WI Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Janesville, WI, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Minimum setback
- 25 feet from buildings, fences, woodpiles
- Wind limit
- No use at 20 mph gusts or more
- Pit type required
- Commercially made, lidded and screened pit
- Grandfathered masonry pits
- Only if built by October 27, 2014
- Attendance rule
- Adult must watch fire until fully out
Summary
Sec. 16-189(a) of the Janesville Code of General Ordinances allows wood-fired recreational fires only in commercially manufactured, above-ground campfire pits fitted with a lid and spark screen, kept at least 25 feet from any building, fence, deck, woodpile or dry vegetation. Pits cannot burn once winds hit 20 mph and must be watched by a responsible adult with a garden hose ready until fully out.
(a)All wood-fired outdoor cooking and recreational fires are subject to the following rules: ... (2)Wood-fired outdoor recreational fires are only allowed in above ground, commercially-manufactured, portable, campfire pits, herein referred to as campfire pit, that is manufactured with a lid and screening around the burning area to prevent sparks from escaping except as provided in Section 16-189(d). ... (5)Cooking devices, campfire pits and masonry fire pits shall only be used a minimum of 25 feet from the nearest portion of any building, lumber pile, wood pile, wooden fence, wooden deck, dry grass, or other combustible materials or vegetation.(6)Cooking devices, campfire pits and masonry fire pits cannot be used if winds or gusts reach 20 miles per hour or greater.(7)Cooking devices, campfire pits and masonry fire pits must be constantly attended by a responsible adult until the fire is completely extinguished and a garden hose connected to a water supply or other acceptable fire-extinguishing equipment must be at all times readily available for use while the fire is kindled. ... (d)Masonry fire pits shall be permitted if in existence on October 27, 2014 with a minimum of 24 inches of masonry encircling the fire pit. These structures do not require a screen. All other masonry fire pits are prohibited.
Full Breakdown
Sec. 16-189(a)(2) limits wood-fired outdoor recreational fires to above-ground, commercially manufactured, portable campfire pits equipped with a lid and screening around the burning area to keep sparks contained, unless the fire falls under the pre-existing masonry fire pit exception in subsection (d). Subsection (a)(3) and (4) require the cooking device or campfire pit to be used as a complete, listed unit with its lid and screening in place while burning. Subsection (a)(5) sets the core siting rule: campfire pits, cooking devices and masonry fire pits must sit at least 25 feet from the nearest building, lumber pile, wood pile, wooden fence, wooden deck, dry grass or other combustible material or vegetation.
Subsection (a)(6) bars use whenever winds or gusts reach 20 miles per hour or more, and subsection (a)(7) requires a responsible adult to constantly attend the fire until it is completely extinguished, with a garden hose connected to a water supply, or other acceptable extinguishing equipment, kept ready at all times while the fire burns. Subsection (a)(8) limits fuel to clean, dry natural wood and kindling, bans accelerants, and subsection (a)(9) requires pits and devices to stay in good repair and safe condition. Subsection (d) grandfathers masonry fire pits already in place by October 27, 2014, if they have at least 24 inches of encircling masonry and need no screen; every other masonry fire pit is prohibited outright. Violations fall under the Article VII penalty scheme carried by Sec. 16-196 and Sec. 16-31.
Violations & Fines
An unattended, undersized, or too-close campfire pit, or one used in winds over 20 mph, violates Sec. 16-189(a) and is enforced under the Article VII penalty chain (Sec. 16-196 applying Sec. 16-31): a forfeiture of $25.00 to $500.00 per offense plus prosecution costs, with each day of continuing violation a separate offense and injunctive relief available to the City.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far must a fire pit be from my house or fence in Janesville?
Can I use a homemade fire pit?
Is there a wind restriction on fire pits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Janesville
How Janesville compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Janesville to another location·View the Wisconsin fire regulations overview
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