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.
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.
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.
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.
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