Outdoor burning rules in Madison, 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.
Madison prohibits general open burning under MGO Chapter 10. Only small recreational fires and approved cooking fires are allowed. WI DNR open burning permits do not apply inside city limits because Madison sets its own stricter rules.
MGO Chapter 10 prohibits open burning of leaves, grass, yard waste, rubbish, construction materials, and treated wood anywhere within Madison city limits. Unlike rural WI DNR protection areas where seasonal burning permits are issued April through November, Madison residents cannot burn yard waste regardless of the season. The city provides free curbside yard waste collection and year-round drop-off at three streets division sites. Exceptions under MGO 10.055 include small recreational fires in approved containers, LP or charcoal grills, ceremonial fires with MFD approval, and agricultural burning on specifically zoned properties. Any permitted burn must comply with DNR NR 429 smoke management rules and be immediately extinguished if complaints arise. The Madison Fire Department responds to illegal burning complaints and may issue on-scene citations.
Illegal burning citations start near 187 dollars and can exceed 500 dollars for repeat offenses plus cost of MFD response.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Dane County.
See how other cities in Dane County handle outdoor burning.
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