Burning Permits - It's Your Responsibility

Burning permits, if used appropriately, are an important tool in wildfire prevention. They allow the public to burn legal materials in the outdoors and are proven to be effective in protecting lives, property, and natural resources from the damages of unwanted wildfires.

What Permits are Needed For

Intended primarily for vegetative debris removal, DNR annual burning permits are issued to landowners for burning on the ground and in barrels. These no-cost permits are good for the calendar year and are non-transferable.

Special burning permits and permits for commercial contractors may be issued for larger quantities, all day burning, and broadcast burns exceeding the local maximum size limit. Contact your local DNR Ranger Station—they’ll let you know if you qualify.

Campfires, for warming or cooking purposes, do not require a burning permit and are allowed anytime except during Emergency Burning Restrictions. Burning in a fire ring with the intent to remove debris is not a campfire and therefore a permit is required.

Who Makes the Rules Where I Plan to Burn

It is your responsibility to know where you are burning and what restrictions apply. DNR annual burning permits are only valid within DNR Protection Areas and outside incorporated cities and villages. Remember, you must also comply with local ordinances which may be more restrictive than state law. Contact your local fire department, town chairperson, or local municipal official if you have any questions.

The Simple Steps to Being a Responsible Debris Burner

• First, obtain the annual permit from a local Ranger Station or Emergency Fire Warden

• Burning restrictions are updated each day at 11am - you must check every day before burning or risk burning illegally or unsafely. Then, visit our Fire Danger and Permit Restrictions page. Click on your county and the burning restriction information will be displayed in the box.

  Or

  Program your speed dial to: 1-888-WIS-BURN (947-2876), you will have two options to check the county restrictions over the phone:

  • Enter the two-digit county code listed (see list of Touch Tone County Codes)
  • Enter the first four letters of the name of the county

• Be sure to read your permit and follow the daily burn restrictions

Information You'll Receive

Since weather conditions change so rapidly throughout Wisconsin, fire managers set fire restrictions based on the current and predicted fire danger for the day. After you have selected the county where you wish to burn, the toll-free number or internet will provide you with the most up-to-date fire restriction information. These restrictions will tell you if burning permits are required, time and size restrictions, or if burning has been suspended due to increased forest fire danger. Remember, you must check daily after 11:00 on the day you wish to burn regardless of whether or not you are planning to burn on the ground or in a barrel.

Reduce-Reuse-Recycle

Debris burning should always be your last alternative. Consider alternatives like composting or leaving your vegetative debris in the woods for wildlife to enjoy. If you still choose to burn, keep in mind what's allowable to burn with your DNR annual permit: