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

Section 50-33(g) of the Milton Code carves recreational fires out of the city's general open-burning ban with specific containment and distance rules. Subsection (g)(6) allows outdoor campfires and small bonfires for cooking, ceremonies or recreation only if the fire is confined by a control device or structure such as a barrel, fire ring, or fire pit; a bonfire beyond a simple campfire additionally needs approval from the fire chief and must follow whatever provisions the fire chief establishes for it. Distance rules apply to open burning generally: subsection (g)(9) requires all open burning other than campfires to be conducted at least 35 feet from the nearest building not on the same property, and subsection (g)(12) separately bars burning within 35 feet of any combustible material, combustible wall or partition, exterior window opening, exit access or exit unless the fire chief authorizes it, though that 35-foot rule does not apply to barbecue, gas and charcoal grills or to manufactured campfire kettles that contain the fire within a screen or cover and are built of boiler iron or brick.

A fire must be constantly attended by a competent person at least 16 years old, equipped with fire extinguishing equipment, until it is fully out, and anyone burning must first call the Rock County Communications Center's non-emergency line at 608-757-2244. Only clean, untreated wood and vegetative debris may fuel the fire; treated wood, plastics, rubber and household refuse are barred under subsection (f).