Rock County, WI Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Rock County, 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
- State rule
- NR 429.04 (open burning)
- Default
- Prohibited except listed exceptions
- Never burn
- Garbage, plastic, rubber, oily material
- DNR permit line
- 1-888-WIS-BURN
- Local permit
- Required in many towns
Summary
Wisconsin DNR generally prohibits open burning except for narrow exceptions in NR 429.04, and you must burn under safe weather, hold any required DNR/town burn permit, and never burn garbage, plastics, rubber or oily material. Rock County towns add their own permit rules.
Open burning is prohibited with the following exceptions... All open burning shall be conducted in a safe pollution free manner under favorable weather conditions... No person may cause, allow or permit the open burning of wet combustible rubbish, garbage, oily substances, asphalt, plastic or rubber products.
Full Breakdown
Under Wis. Admin. Code NR 429.04, open burning is prohibited with limited exceptions such as small quantities of dry leaves and plant clippings, brush and weeds on agricultural land, and recreational or cooking fires. All allowed burning must be done in a safe, pollution-free manner under favorable weather and must conform to local ordinances. Burning wet rubbish, garbage, oily substances, asphalt, plastic or rubber is never allowed. Many parts of Wisconsin require a free DNR burning permit (1-888-WIS-BURN), and Rock County towns like Fulton require their own permit and limit daytime hours (roughly 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.).
Violations & Fines
DNR and local fire departments enforce; illegal open burning can bring forfeitures plus liability for suppression costs and any escaped fire. Permits are suspended during high fire danger.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn leaves and brush in Rock County?
Where do I get a burn permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rock County
How Rock County compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Rock County to another location·View the Wisconsin fire regulations overview
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