Outdoor Burning

General Rules for Outdoor Burning

  • All outdoor fires must be attended by a competent person of legal age with a garden hose connected to a water supply or other fire extinguishing equipment available.

  • Outdoor fires may not contain flammable or combustible liquids, leather or petroleum-based products, material made of or coated with rubber, plastic, or garbage/rubbish/trash.

  • Outdoor fires and disposal of ash residue is not permitted on or within any street, drainage ditch, alley, parkway, public place or public right of way.
  • The rules for Outdoor Burning are divided into three general categories, each with specific rules and allowable days/times: 

Cooking Fires in Grills

  • Cooking Fires are defined as fires in grills fueled by charcoal, wood, or propane gas and used for cooking and are are allowed at any time. 
  • Grills may be used near multi-family dwellings (three or more dwellings) provided they are not located on a balcony or under any overhanging portion of the structure and at least 10 feet away from the structure.

Yard Waste Fires

  • Yard Waste Fires are allowed between 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Saturdays (excluding legal holidays).
  • Yard Waste Fires must be at least 50 feet away from any structure and in a pile no larger than five feet in diameter and three feet in height, or in a metal container no larger than 55 gallons. 

Recreational Fires

  • Recreational Fires are allowed between noon and 11 p.m.
  • Only dry wood may be used and flammable or combustible liquids may not be used for ignition.
  • They may be located on the ground (campfire) or in an outdoor fireplace and each of these has its own specific safety rules.
    • Campfires must be:
      • at least 50 feet away from the structure.
      • contained in a fire ring constructed of brick, stone, or metal, no larger than 36 inches in diameter that extends a suggested minimum of six inches above the ground level.
      • built of a wood that does not exceed 18 inches in height above the ground.
    • Outdoor Fireplaces must be:
      • at least 20 feet away from any structure and on a non-combustible surface.
      • Be in a commercially available fireplace, following the manufacturer's instructions and have all screens and covers in place.
      • Be built of a wood that does not exceed 18 inches in height above the base of the fireplace.

Burning Prohibition

Outdoor fires will be prohibited when atmospheric conditions such as high winds or local circumstances such as drought make outdoor burning hazardous.

Complaints

Any report that the smoke or heat created by a fire is an annoyance, discomfort or safety hazard to the neighborhood or the traveling public will be investigated by the fire department.

To report a violation of the Village of Menomonee Falls Open Burning Ordinance, call 262-446-5070. (You may request to remain anonymous)

Fires that are determined to be an annoyance or safety hazard will be ordered extinguished and/or extinguished by the fire department.

Violations

Fires that are determined to be in violation of the village of Menomonee Falls Open Burning Ordinance (Section 46-58) will be ordered extinguished and/or extinguished by the fire department.

Click here for a printable Outdoor Burning flyer.