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

Sun Prairie replaced IFC Section 307 with its own open burning standards, and outdoor fireplaces and "Fixed Outdoor Fire Feature Devices" are named exceptions to the general prohibition. Below-grade, clay and manufactured outdoor fireplaces, covered in the amended Section 307(4), must use a non-combustible metal bowl or ring no larger than six square feet with a cover that can fully enclose the surface, cannot be used within ten feet of a building, structure, lot line or combustible materials or in high winds, cannot sit on a wood deck, patio, balcony or platform, and can only burn dry wood, never demolition debris, yard waste or garbage.

Gasoline and other flammable liquids cannot be stored or used near the unit, and the smoke cannot become a nuisance to neighboring properties. Fixed Outdoor Fire Feature Devices installed at commercial buildings and multi-family dwellings, covered in amended Section 307(6), face a more detailed set of standards: only fuel designated for the specific appliance may be burned, flames must be enclosed behind a secured heavy screen so exposed surfaces never exceed 172 degrees Fahrenheit, the device must sit on a stable, non-combustible, level surface, and it must be kept fifteen feet from combustible construction and ten feet from building air intakes.

A staff member or responsible adult must maintain visual supervision at all times, a timer must cap operation at sixty minutes with an automatic gas shutoff, and installation design drawings plus an operational permit must be submitted to the Fire Department for review and approval before the device goes into service.