No, open burning in Wisconsin is largely prohibited under NR 400–499, with exceptions tightly controlled by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) and local county authorities. The state enforces strict air quality standards to curb emissions, aligning with federal Clean Air Act requirements. Violations trigger enforcement actions, including fines up to $25,000 per day under ch. 299, Wis. Stats., and potential criminal charges for repeat offenses.
Key Regulations for Open Burning in Wisconsin
- Permit Requirements: A WDNR-issued open burning permit is mandatory for most agricultural, land-clearing, and residential burns, except for small recreational fires. Permits are location-specific and may require soil testing or buffer zones per NR 407.03(2).
- Prohibited Materials: Burning household garbage, treated wood, tires, plastics, or construction debris is illegal under NR 407.03(1)(a). Only clean, untreated wood or vegetative matter may qualify for exceptions.
- Seasonal Restrictions: Burning is banned during air quality alerts or when wind speeds exceed 10 mph, as monitored by the WDNR’s air quality division. Counties like Dane and Milwaukee impose additional seasonal curtailments to protect public health.
Local ordinances often exceed state minimums; for example, the City of Madison enforces stricter burn bans year-round within city limits. The WDNR’s 2026 compliance framework introduces digital permit tracking and real-time emission monitoring for high-risk burn sites. Always verify county-specific rules via the WDNR’s Burn Wisconsin portal before initiating any burn.