West Allis, WI Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in West Allis, WI, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Setback from structures
- 10 feet minimum
- Allowed hours
- 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- Device requirement
- Metal hood and screen enclosure
- Attendance
- Competent person must directly observe
- Suspension trigger
- Fire Chief dry-conditions burn ban
Summary
West Allis allows only fully enclosed wood-burning devices as an exception to its open-burning ban, and requires them to sit 10 feet from structures, run only 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., and stay attended at all times.
A device for the burning of wood that is equipped with a metal hood and screen that completely encloses the area where wood is burned so as to prevent embers or sparks from exiting the device. The exception allowed in Subsection 5.10(9)(b)3 shall not apply during such times as the West Allis Fire Chief declares a ban on burning due to dry conditions. Notice of such ban shall be published in the official City newspaper. After publication or after direct notice, no person shall use such a device until the West Allis Fire Chief declares that the ban is terminated. The burning permitted in Subsection 5.10(9)(b)3 shall be subject to the following conditions: Such devices shall not be used on porches or decks or within 10 feet of a dwelling, garage, or other accessory structure. Such devices shall not be used between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Such devices shall be tended by a competent person at all times combustion is occurring. To constitute being "tended," the device must be within the direct observation of the competent person taking care of the fire.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: ?).
Full Breakdown
The only device exempt from West Allis's open-burning ban is one equipped with a metal hood and screen that completely encloses the burn area, preventing embers or sparks from escaping. Even a compliant device may not sit on a porch or deck, or within 10 feet of a dwelling, garage or other accessory structure; it may only operate between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., and must be tended by a competent person within direct observation for the entire time it burns. The Fire Chief can also suspend the exception entirely by declaring a dry-conditions burn ban published in the official City newspaper.
Violations & Fines
Using an enclosed burning device too close to a structure, after 11:00 p.m., unattended, or during a Fire Chief burn ban risks a Fire Code citation of $25 to $500 per day under § 5.14.
Frequently Asked Questions
How close to my house can I put a fire pit in West Allis?
What time do I have to put out my fire pit in West Allis?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in West Allis
How West Allis compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare West Allis to another location·View the Wisconsin fire regulations overview
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