Fire Pits/Open Burning Concerns

Open Burning Rules

Some of our neighbors have acquired Fire Pits or Open Burning Containers. There has been concern voiced that other than non-treated wood is being burned creating a lot of toxic smoke wafting through the neighborhood.

Another concern is people light them up and end up with flames 4 to 6 feet high shooting out of the container, as well as leaving them unattended and burning after people are done enjoying them and go to bed for the night. The Milwaukee Fire Department strongly reccomends against this, they should be put out completely after use.

They further recommend that these containers are "weighted down" so they do not tip over, and the screens that cover them fit securely.
Here is an abreviated form of the City Ordinance.

214-9. Responsibility to Eliminate Fire Hazards.
1. CONTAINERS FOR OPEN
BURNING.
a. Open burning shall be conducted only in an approved and listed
container or a substantial burner built of metal, concrete or brick,
well covered or screened to prevent the escape of sparking and burning
embers.
b. A burner shall not be operated within 15 feet of any dwelling, or
combustible construction. Open flame cooking devices, including
charcoal burners and LP gas burners, are exempt from this requirement
for one- and two-family dwellings.
c. Open burning shall be constantly attended until the fire is
extinguished. A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher with a
minimum 4- A rating or other approved on-site fire extinguishing
equipment such as dirt, sand, water barrel, garden hose or water truck
shall be available for immediate utilization.
2. ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY.
The commissioner may delegate limited authority to the police
department to enforce open burning regulations.
3. CARRYING FIRE. No person shall carry, keep or maintain any fire in,
through or upon any public thoroughfare or premises, except within an
approved, closed, secure pan, vessel or vehicle.