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

Section 306-47B carves recreational fires out of the general outdoor burning permit requirement, but only within specific limits: fire pits or rings not more than 36 inches in diameter, encircled with nonflammable material, or commercially built and approved fire containers with a maximum length of materials to be burned of 36 inches, located at least 20 feet from any structure or 10 feet from a lot line. Material burned cannot spill outside the approved container, and the fire has to be put out by midnight or the moment it is left unattended, whichever comes first.

Three conditions ride along with the size and setback limits. First, someone at least 18 years old must constantly attend and supervise the fire with fire-extinguishing equipment ready, from lighting until it is fully out. Second, only clean, dry fuel is allowed; leaves, pine needles, rubbish, garbage, trash and anything coated in rubber, plastic, leather or petroleum products are off-limits, and the fire cannot be lit with any flammable or combustible liquid. Third, if smoke from the fire creates a nuisance and the operator is told about it, the fire must be extinguished immediately, no exceptions for the time of night or how close to done it might be.

Even though a fire pit within these limits does not need a District permit, it still has to sit outside the wind cutoff in § 306-49, which bans all outdoor burning, recreational fires included, above nine miles per hour.