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

Recreational fires are an exception to Sheboygan's open burning ban. Section 50-181(b) prohibits any fire in the open air within the corporate city limits except as provided in section 50-182, and section 50-182(6) sets the conditions for recreational bonfires.

The fire has to be a small bonfire used for recreation and roasting, contained in a fire ring constructed of brick, stone or metal and no larger than 36 inches outside diameter. The ring cannot sit closer than ten feet to any building, structure, lumber, wooden fence or woodpile, and it must extend upward a minimum of six inches above the landscaped ground level. The wood fuel load cannot exceed 18 inches above grade or the landscape.

Hours are fixed in the text. The time limit is between 12:00 noon and 10:00 p.m., except that on Fridays and Saturdays, and Sundays preceding a Monday federal or state holiday, the limit runs from 12:00 noon to 12:00 midnight. The fire must be under constant supervision.

Fuel is restricted to dry wood only, and the fire cannot be ignited with flammable or combustible liquids. Material for bonfires cannot include rubbish, garbage, trash, any material made or coated with rubber, plastic, leather or petroleum-based materials, and cannot contain any flammable or combustible liquids.

Portable devices are covered too. Under subsection (6)(g), any pre-manufactured portable device or burner used to contain a bonfire or simulate a bonfire must be UL approved, operated as designed by the manufacturer, and operated in accordance with the regulations in the subsection.

Neighbors have a say. Subsection (6)(f) bars smoke or heat that is an annoyance or discomfort to the neighborhood or the traveling public, and subsection (9) requires that the fire be ordered extinguished upon any complaint. As printed, subsection (6) contains no permit requirement; the permit language in subsection (8) is tied to cemetery burning under subsection (3).