Wisconsin Statewide Rule
Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Burning Permit Requirements
Key Facts
- Statute
- Wis. Stat. § 26.12
- Code
- NR 30 and NR 429
- Permit Cost
- Free annual permit
- Burn Window
- After 6 p.m. typically
- Banned Materials
- Trash, plastic, treated wood
Summary
Wisconsin requires a DNR burning permit for most outdoor debris burning in DNR Protection Areas under Wis. Stat. § 26.12 and Wis. Admin. Code NR 30, with statewide bans during high fire danger.
No person may set any fire except for warming the person or cooking food within the limits of any intensive forest protection area at any time of the year except when the ground is snow-covered, unless written permission has been received in advance from a duly appointed fire warden.
Full Breakdown
Under Wis. Stat. § 26.12 and Wis. Admin. Code ch. NR 30, residents in DNR-protected forest areas must obtain an annual burning permit before burning leaves, brush, or debris on land they own or occupy. Permits are free and available online or from emergency fire wardens. Burning is generally allowed only after 6:00 p.m. and must be out by midnight, with daily condition checks required because the DNR may suspend burning when fire danger is high or very high. Burning of trash, garbage, plastics, oils, or treated wood is prohibited statewide under Wis. Admin. Code NR 429.04 and the open burning rule.
Violations & Penalties
Burning without a permit or in violation of suspensions is punishable by forfeitures, and starting a wildfire creates civil liability for suppression costs and damages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Wisconsin DNR permit to burn brush?
Can I burn household trash in Wisconsin?
Sources
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