Green Bay, WI Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Green Bay, WI, also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance, set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.
Key Facts
- Solid waste burning
- Prohibited outdoors citywide
- Recreational fires
- Allowed on 1–2 family lots only
- Wind limit
- No burning above 10 mph wind
- Burn ban authority
- Fire Chief may declare citywide ban
- Penalty
- $10–$2,000 forfeiture, up to 60 days jail
Summary
Green Bay bans burning solid waste, trash, and yard waste outdoors citywide under Municipal Code § 32-4(c); only small contained recreational fires meeting strict placement rules are allowed, and the Fire Chief can order a burning ban in dry or windy weather.
No person shall burn any solid waste outdoors at any time within the City.
Full Breakdown
Section 32-4(c) of the solid waste chapter flatly prohibits burning any solid waste outdoors within city limits at any time: that covers household trash, construction debris and other refuse. Separately, Section 18-66 permits small recreational fires, barbecue pits and fire pits on single- and two-family residential lots, but even there burning garbage, treated or painted wood, plastic, rubber, construction lumber, and any leaves, yard waste or brush is prohibited; fires are also barred whenever wind exceeds 10 mph. The Fire Chief may declare a citywide burning ban when weather conditions warrant, suspending recreational fires until conditions improve.
Violations & Fines
Violating the solid-waste burning ban is enforced under Chapter 32's general penalty (§ 32-7): a forfeiture of $10 to $2,000 plus costs, or up to 60 days in jail on default.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn yard waste or leaves in my backyard in Green Bay?
When can the city stop all outdoor recreational fires?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Green Bay
How Green Bay compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Green Bay to another location·View the Wisconsin fire regulations overview
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Outdoor Burning in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Brown County handle outdoor burning.