The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has published a model ordinance for regulating open burning and outdoor burning. Electronic copies of the model ordinance may be downloaded from the DNR website at:
The model ordinance is available as a PDF or Microsoft Word-format document. The following information regarding the model burning ordinance is reproduced from the DNR website:
The model ordinance was prepared to assist Wisconsin counties, cities, villages, and towns in adopting local regulations related to outdoor burning and burning of refuse. The model is intended to assist these units of government in enacting their own ordinances and is meant to be advisory only. This publication was prepared in cooperation with the Wisconsin Towns Association, the Wisconsin Counties Association, the League of Wisconsin Municipalities, and the American Lung Association of Wisconsin. It is intended that a municipality “pick and choose” from among the various suggested provisions to meet its particular local needs. The only constraint is that a municipality may not enact an ordinance that's less stringent than state law.
Note: Prohibiting burning during dry conditions. Section 7.2 of the model ordinance prohibits burning when banned by the Fire Chief or Department of Natural Resources. Town Chairperson may be substituted for Fire Chief. The following provision establishing conditions when the town may prescribe a ban may be added:
The [fire chief/town chairperson choose one] may prohibit open burning in the town when the [fire chief/town chairperson choose one] determines that it is warranted by dryness or other burning conditions. The [fire chief/town chairperson choose one] shall prepare a notice of the prohibition stating the conditions of the burning ban and that the duration of the ban will be until such time as the [fire chief/town chairperson choose one] determines conditions no longer warrant the continuation of the burning ban or until a specified time. The [fire chief/town chairperson choose one] shall post the notice in at least 3 locations within the town [and on the town's Internet site if applicable] and may publish the notice and otherwise publicize the burning ban as the [fire chief/town chairperson choose one] determines to be appropriate.
The Departments of Natural Resources (DNR) and Health Services have each posted information regarding Outdoor Wood Boilers and their regulation of their Internet sites:
