Milwaukee County, WI Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Milwaukee 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 fire pit rule
- None - municipal fire codes apply
- County parks
- Fire only in provided places
- Park grilling
- Enclosed metal containers only
- Park penalty
- Up to $100, 90 days default
Summary
There is no county-wide backyard fire pit ordinance; recreational fires on private property are governed by each city, village, or town fire code. On county parks, Ordinance 47.05(4) allows a fire only in a place the county provides.
No person shall make or kindle a fire for any purpose except in places provided therefor, and then subject to such regulations as may be prescribed.(5)Deposit of tin cans, bottles and glassware forbidden except in waste container; removal of broken tin cans, bottles or glassware.(a)No person shall deposit any tin cans, bottles or other glassware after the same have been used in any place in a park or parkway, except in waste containers provided by the department of parks, recreation and culture, or except in containers carried by such person for the purpose of removing same from such park or parkway.(b)Any person who breaks a bottle or other glassware in any park or parkway shall immediately pick up the broken pieces and remove same to a park waste container.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 112).
Full Breakdown
Backyard fire pit rules in the Milwaukee area are set by each municipality's fire code, not by Milwaukee County. Communities such as Milwaukee, South Milwaukee, and Brookfield regulate portable fire pits, setbacks, and fuels under their own ordinances, so check your local code. Milwaukee County's only direct fire rule applies to its parks: Ordinance 47.05(4) provides that no person shall make or kindle a fire except in places provided therefor, and then subject to such regulations as may be prescribed. For park cooking fires the Parks Department requires enclosed metal containers, provides no on-site grills, and requires coals to be doused and placed in Hot Coals bins. Loose campfires are not allowed on park land.
Violations & Fines
In county parks, an unlawful fire under Ordinance 47.05 draws a forfeiture up to $100 and up to 90 days in default. On private property, unlawful-recreational-fire penalties are set by the municipal fire code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a backyard fire pit in Milwaukee County?
Are fires allowed in Milwaukee County parks?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Milwaukee County
How Milwaukee County compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Milwaukee County to another location·View the Wisconsin fire regulations overview
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