Burn Permits

General Burn Permit

You must apply for a general burn permit at least 30 days before the burn. We may require an inspection before we issue a permit.

Your application must include:

1. General burn application
2. $50 permit fee
3. Site plan (can be hand drawn) that includes:
   • Property lines
   • Buildings within 50 feet
   • Location of any right of way within 50 feet of the area to be burned
4. Written burn plan that includes:
   • Fire suppression, number, and type (fire extinguisher, garden hose, water cans, etc.)
   • Method of starting fire
   • Description of materials to be burned
5. Proof of ownership, or written permission of property owner
   • Proof of ownership could be tax bill, deed, or mortgage.
   • If someone other than the property owner will conduct the burn, you must provide proof of liability insurance.
6. For burns in City parks, you must attach written approval from Madison Parks.

We process permits once we receive all application materials.

Safety Requirements

We reserve the right to revoke a permit due to noncompliance with the following requirements.

• Weather: Only conduct a burn when the weather is favorable to keep it controlled and prevent a smoke nuisance. Monitor weather conditions to ensure fire safety, including high winds and wind direction. If the weather is unfavorable, postpone, extinguish, or confine the fire as needed.
  • Burn advisories: No burning is allowed if the WI DNR has set fire danger at High or above for Dane County.
  • Air quality conditions: No burning is allowed if air quality is other than good or moderate.
• Size and placement:
  • Fires shall not exceed 8 feet in diameter or 6 feet in height.
  • Fires shall not be closer than 50 feet from any structure, combustible materials, or lot lines.
  • The perimeter of the fire shall be free of combustibles.
  • Fires shall be located to ensure smoke and odors do not create a safety hazard or annoy or discomfort others. If we receive a complaint, we will respond and may extinguish the fire.
• Fuel and materials:
  • Fuel for fires shall consist of clean, dry wood only.
  • Flammable or combustible liquids shall not be used to ignite or intensify a fire.
  • Material for fires shall not include rubbish, trash, garbage or material made of or coated with rubber, plastic, leather, or petroleum-based materials.
• Extinguishing: You must have people and fire extinguishing equipment (such as a connected garden hose) present during the entire burn. Do not leave until the fire is completely extinguished.

Natural Lawn and Prairie Restoration Burn Permit

How to Apply

You must apply for a natural lawn or prairie restoration burn permit at least 30 days before the burn.

Apply OnlinePrintable form

Your application must include:

1. $50 permit fee
2. Site plan (can be hand drawn) that includes:
   • Property lines
   • Fire breaks
   • Area to be burned — cannot exceed ¼ acre in size, unless conducted by a qualified contractor
   • Buildings within 25 feet
   • Location of any right of way within 25 feet of the area to be burned
   • If location is near major highways, include placement of signage to alert motorists of the fire and smoke
3. Written burn plan that includes:
   • Fire suppression, number and type (fire extinguisher, garden hose, water cans, etc.)
   • Method of starting fire
   • How will fire spread be controlled? (Fire breaks, backfire, etc.)
   • Description of vegetation to be burned — cannot include piles of leaves, yard waste, brush or trash
   • Signage for major highways
   • Method to notify neighbors within 200 feet and list of addresses to be notified
4. Proof of ownership, written permission of property owner, or a contract to perform the burn signed by property owner
   • Proof of ownership could be tax bill, deed, or mortgage.
   • If someone other than the property owner will conduct the burn, you must provide proof of liability insurance.
5. Proof of training
6. For burns on bike paths, you must attach written permission from City of Madison Engineering and Traffic Engineering.
   • Engineering: 608-266-4751
   • Traffic Engineering: 608-266-4761

Safety Requirements

You are responsible for the following conditions:

• Notifications: You must notify neighbors within 200 feet.
• Monitor weather conditions:
  • Burn advisories: No burning is allowed if the WI DNR has set fire danger at High or above for Dane County.
  • Air quality conditions: No burning is allowed if air quality is other than good or moderate.
  • Winds must be no more than 10 mph.
  • Temperature must be between 45° F and 75° F.
  • Relative humidity must be more than 20%.
• Area to be burned: Area to be burned cannot exceed ¼ acre in size. For larger burns, provide adequate fire breaks to limit areas to no more than ¼ acre each.
• Signs: Signage is required for major highways when more than ¼ acre or when the burn is less than ½ mile from important, major, or significant roads. We may require additional signage after reviewing your application.
• Time of burn: Burns shall take place between sunrise and one hour before sunset.
• Extinguishing: You must have people and equipment capable of extinguishing the fire present during the entire burn. Do not leave until the fire is completely extinguished.