City Lifts Burn Ban; Some Fires Require a Permit


By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

June 25, 2021- Effective immediately, the City of Whitewater is lifting the burn ban issued on
June 16. 2021. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources shows a low chance of fire danger in
Whitewater. Citizens need a permit if they plan to burn and can obtain a permit through the city’s
Neighborhood Services Department.

Banner note: A permit is not required for most “recreational fires.” Chapter 8.32 of the Municipal Code provides the ordinances regarding open burning. The rules for recreational fires include the following:

  • All outdoor fires shall be no closer than fifteen feet from any structure or side lot line and ten feet from any rear lot line. There shall be no outdoor fires in front yards or street yards.
  • Wood recreational fires are allowed only in compliance with the following schedule: (1) from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; (2) from 4:00 p.m. on Friday until Saturday at 1:00 a.m.; (3) from 4:00 p.m. on Saturday until 1:00 a.m. on Sunday.
  • Recreational fires shall burn dry wood only and may not burn wet wood, brush or other substances or materials.
  • Recreational fires shall be completely extinguished when unattended.
  • Recreational fires with a base greater than five feet in diameter shall require a permit issued by the city manager or his designee.

The image on the homepage, “Campfire” by JelleS is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

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