Burn Permits

***Update-No Permit Needed  for CAMPFIRES***

Campfires located on the on the ground subject to the following:

The fire shall be at least twenty-five (25) feet from any structure, wooded area, public roadway or combustible materials.

The fire shall not exceed four (4) feet in diameter.

The fire shall not be ignited with a flammable or combustible liquid.

The flames shall not exceed two (2) feet in height above the ground.

The fire shall be attended by a responsible person of at least sixteen (16) years of age with a water source or other fire extinguishing equipment readily available.

***Updated Patio Hearth, Outdoor Fireplace or Similar Fire Feature Rules***

No Permit Needed

The fire shall be placed on and surrounded by non-combustible material or, if on or surrounded by combustible materials, placed in a manner consistent with the manufacturer’s guidelines. If no manufacturer guidelines are available, wood burning features shall be at least twenty (20) feet from any combustible material and features which are solely fueled by propane or natural gas shall be placed at least ten (10) feet from any combustible material

Wood burning features shall have all screens and covers in place. The fire shall not be ignited with a flammable or combustible liquid

The fire shall be attended by a responsible person of at least sixteen (16) years of age with a water source or other fire extinguishing equipment readily available.

Piles of 6 feet in diameter and 4 feet in height still require a permit

If you are wishing to burn yard waste (dry leaves, dry grass, dry garden residue, small branches, small sticks and small tree limbs), an inspection of your property needs to be completed by the Fire Department before a permit is issued.  The inspection verifies that your burning site is in compliance with the ordinance located below.  An inspection is required if you have not had a burn permit in the past and/or have moved your burn site. Permits are issued if all of the ordinance requirements have been met. 

Payments for Renewal and New Permits:  The yearly burn permit costs $20.00-all permits expire December 31st.  Payments(cash or check)are taken in person at the Southern Ozaukee Fire Department, Mequon City Hall and Mequon Police Department.  Please fill out a  Burn Permit Information Form found on the bottom of this page or in person when paying at the PD or City Hall.  If renewing in person, you will be issued a new permit upon payment.   You may also purchase a burn permit online.  Your receipt will act as your permit when purchased online.

For a new permit:  An inspection will need to be conducted prior to issuing a Burn Permit.  This will be done using satellite imagery and approval by the Deputy Chief.  If an in person inspection is needed, you will be contacted to schedule the appointment.  You permit will be mailed or issued in person at the inspection.  

Quick Look Burn Permit Rules(6x4 piles):

-Daily permission must be obtained by calling the Burn Permit Hotline: 262-242-8778

-Container must be at least 75 feet from any structure or public roadway

-Permitted fires shall not be ignited before dawn and shall be completely extinguished by dusk

-The fire must be attended at all times

-Fire must be completely extinguished at the conclusion of any burning activity or dusk, whichever occurs first

-The by-products of combustion resulting from burning shall not form a fire hazard or nuisance to neighboring citizens

-A source of water or other fire extinguishing equipment shall be readily available to the responsible person attending the fire

-Open burning of materials in a pile should not exceed four feet in height and six feet in diameter

Allowed materials for burning:

-Dry leaves, dry grass, dry garden residue, small branches or tree limbs

Prohibited materials for burning:

-Wet combustibles, any material containing rubber, garbage, plastic, recyclable materials, wood products containing glues or resins, any material capable of generating black or noxious smoke or any building materials associated with construction, remodeling or demolition.

Please see click here for a complete description of the Open Burning Ordinance.

Please refer to this webpage for additional information (FAQS) and the City’s ordinance on burn permits.  If you have questions, please the contact the Fire Department Administrative Assistant, Jill Wellman, at (262) 242-2530, Monday-Thursday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm or email: jwellman@ci.mequon.wi.us