Burning

BURNING REGULATED

NO burning of

  • Garbage
  • Toxic materials or substances
  • Flammable liquids
  • Open areas of grass, woods, brush or similar materials
  • Any material required to be recycled by law
  • Plastics, rubber, leather, oil or petroleum-based materials
  • Chemically treated, painted or stained wood
  • Asphalt or asphalt containing materials        

OPEN BURNING CONDITIONS for YARD WASTE

Open burning of yard waste shall ONLY occur

  • Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays 
  • In the months of April, May, October and November 
  • Between the hours of 12 pm (noon) and 6 pm
  • If burning piles are no larger than 5 feet in diameter and 2 feet high
  • Pile must be located 25 feet from the front lot line and 15 feet from the side and 10 feet from the rear lot line
  • If the person conducting the burning is 18 years of age or older and must be in attendance of the fire at all times 
  • With adequate fire extinguishing equipment present – garden hose or fire extinguisher available and ready to use

Open burning of yard waste shall NOT occur

  • In ditches or roadways
  • When the wind velocity exceeds 10 mph
  • On the City of Brookfield’s official Trick or Treat day
  • On days when the fire danger, as determined by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, is HIGH, VERY HIGH or EXTREME.
  • Days where the air quality index in Waukesha County is 100 or greater
  • Days when an air quality notice for Waukesha County has been issued
  • In a burn barrel 

RECREATIONAL FIRES

Recreational Fires shall ONLY occur

  • During the hours of 12 pm (noon) and 11 pm
  • In an outdoor fire pit or fire pit constructed of metal or masonry that is installed and used to the manufacturer’s recommendations OR in an Underwriters Laboratory (UL) listed natural gas or propane fireplace with a maximum size shall be no more than 36 inches in diameter or 7 feet square.  Above ground fire pits shall have a non-tipping base, screen enclosure and covered top
  • If the fire pit or fireplace is:
    A minimum of 10 feet from any building, structure or combustible landscaping.
    A minimum of 20 feet away from property lines, wood fencing, utility poles, overhead wires or pile of combustible materials.
         A minimum of 50 feet away from any flammable or combustible liquid container.
  • Using dry, clean wood or manufactured fire log materials
  • If the person conducting the burning is 18 years of age or older and must be in attendance of the fire at all times
  • With adequate fire extinguishing equipment present – garden hose or fire extinguisher available and ready to use

Recreational Fires shall NOT occur

  • On days when the fire danger, as determined by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, is HIGH, VERY HIGH or EXTREME.

NUISANCE FIRE DISCLAIMER

If a Fire Department or Police Department official determines that any open burning or recreational fire creates or causes a health or safety hazard or otherwise unreasonably interferes with the use and enjoyment of other properties within the City, the official may order the fire immediately extinguished and may extinguish the fire if the person refuses to do so after the extinguishment order.

For a more detailed information on Open Burning and Recreational Fires, please visit the following City of Brookfield Municipal Ordinance website page - Read Ordinance

Observing any violations?  Please call the Police Department non-emergency phone number at (262) 787-3700.