Burning in City Prohibited When Winds Above 10 MPH
No burning ban for Waukesha during dry weather conditions, but that doesn't mean residents can throw an evening bonfire just yet.
While the City of Waukesha hasn’t followed the direction of other communities in instituting a burn ban given the dry weather conditions the area has seen recently, that doesn’t mean residents have a free reign to host bonfire parties this week.
The city only allows recreational burning and in order to have a small fire, the winds have to be under 10 miles per hour.
The city’s codebook outlines the conditions for open fires in residential areas:
- Between 3 p.m. and midnight
- A least 25 feet from buildings, trees, bushes, plants, fences or any combustible material.
- A below-ground pit or an outdoor fireplace
- Not permitted when winds exceed 10 mph
- Flames can not exceed 3 feet
- Items to extinguish fire must be nearby
- A person above the age 18 must be present
Because the grass in Waukesha is dry, people should “exercise extreme caution” when using fire pits in the city, according to Battalion Chief Joe Hoffman, and even then, the fires are prohibited with winds above 10 mph.
Although it may slightly rain tonight, there needs to be a few good drenching before the ground is wet enough for area bonfires.
“Even if we do manage to get a little bit of rain tonight … it is not going to be enough to subside the problem we have with being rain deficient,” Hoffman said.
If people notice recreational fires in their neighborhood during windy conditions, they are urged to contact the Waukesha Police Department through its non-emergency number, 262-524-3831.
Lynn Vander Meer
8:50 am on Thursday, June 21, 2012
Oh since when? I had to endure the nightly garbage burning on College Avenue and was told NOTHING could be done about it for YEARS...not by the police nor the fire department. Recreational burning or urban renewal? The air quality suffers with casual recreational burning. Issue permits. Make sure the morons know the rules... and generate some revenue while you are at it. User fees!
J Carroll Petrie
9:36 pm on Thursday, June 21, 2012
We will see-we have neighbors who burn anytime and anything whenever they want and we have called the police and fire depts. (no results) I was told once from a lady police officer when the neighbors burned in back that I should set in the front of my house so the smoke wouldn't bother me. ( by the way I have copd and I'm on oxygen. Also another rule wasn't listed (if smoke is bothering to a neighbor or person they should not be able to burn). The air quality suffers and so do the people with respiratory problems, also people who don't. If this continues we might as well get the old "burning barrels' back. http://www.ci.waukesha.wi.us/info/codebook/21.040.htm Check this out! This is on N Hine Ave. Also these are adults doing this. Maybe a good fine would stop them.
Lynn Vander Meer
2:48 pm on Friday, June 22, 2012
These city lots are too small to sustain safe burning. The smoke also drifts into our homes and makes the draperies and furniture reek of smoke. It is hot with the windows closed in the summer. Why do we have to have our autos tested to protect the air quality when we have to breathe garbage fumes on a nightly basis? Oh hai, that's right: they make money off of us testing our cars. And if you don't think leaves aren't being burned in the city, have another think...and a sniff.
Ann
7:31 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
I put up with this burning crap when I lived in Waukesha. these same neighbors that did this and made the air so caustic, would never allow smokers in their home or anywhere on their premise, LOL. Talk about pot calling the kettle black.
Jan Getz
5:55 pm on Monday, August 13, 2012
I can hardly stand it when our neighbor throws his wood in his burner. It must be damp or have something in it. It really reeks! There is no day in which he will not start this burning and the loveliest spring and summer days are no exception. There is no longer that sweet, fresh air smell in our neighborhood and according to our city hall, the only limitation is that he obtain a permit. I simply cannot believe that he will continue to be allowed to pollute the air and ruin our neighborhood in this way!