Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Burning Permit Requirements

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.

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.