Businesses, Industries,
& Municipalities
Businesses, industries, and municipalities are generally prohibited from any open burning. There is a narrow exception for one-time burning of small amounts of clean wood waste following approved methods. Other wood burning can occur only if the entity has a state- issued wood burning facility license.
Building Demolition /Asbestos
Asbestos is a known carcinogen and some building materials contain asbestos. Federal and State laws regulate building demolition, asbestos inspection and disposal. Unwanted buildings can only be burned as part of a fire training practice burn. No other burning of buildings is allowed. Buildings cannot be burned after demolition. Asbestos handling permit Form 4500-113 is obtained from the DNR Air Management program. Contact: Madison 608-266-3658.
Fire Departments
Fire fighter training burns are allowed with the following requirements: Prior to any fire training burn, the fire department or building owner must submit a demolition notification to the DNR Air Management Program. A certified asbestos inspector must inspect
the burn structure. The inspector’s findings are used to complete the demolition form, which is then submitted to DNR at least ten business days prior to the burn. Form 4500-113 is obtained from the DNR Air Management program. Any asbestos must be properly removed and disposed of prior to the burn. Unburned debris must be removed from the burn site and disposed of at a licensed landfill. Fire training burns may only be conducted on a standing structure that offers some training value: Buildings may not be burned for the sole purpose of waste reduction; nor may they be burned by an entity other than a fire department. Open burning is strictly regulated by the state and local governments. Contacts: Regional 920-662-5181 or Madison 608-266-3658.
Individuals/Non-business
Individuals/private citizens may bum (if not prohibited by local ordinances) lawn and garden debris and small quantities of clean-untreated wood. Clean paper waste that is not recyclable may also be burned. Outdoor fires for cooking, ceremonies, or recreation are permitted and do not require any special approvals unless environmental conditions pose a great risk for forest fires.
Miscellaneous
DNR approval is required prior to:
• Burning of gaseous or liquid waste.
• Emergency storm debris burning.
• Burning or detonation of explosive or dangerous material requires a hazardous waste waiver.
DNR approval is not required prior to:
• Burning of vegetation for clearing or maintenance of right-of-ways (except in intensive and extensive fire control areas, check with DNR forestry).
If you have questions...
Local ordinances may supersede state open burning
requirements and prohibit the open burning by individuals, businesses, industries, fire departments, etc. as described above. While local ordinances may be more restrictive than state requirements, they can not be less restrictive. Always check first, before you burn, with your local government or DNR office to see if a burning permit is required.
Website Information
Information is available on the DNR
Website as follows:
Open Burning
DNR Open Burning Website:
Open Burning Frequently Asked Questions:
Open Burning Publications:
Asbestos
DNR Asbestos Website:
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/air/reg/asbestos
Fire Department Training Burns:
Asbestos Frequently Asked Questions:
Demolition
Pre-Demolition Checklist:
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/wm/publications/demolition
/predemo.pdf
Burning Permits
Fire Control - Permit Information:
htp://dnr.wi.gov/org/Iand/forestry/fire/burningrp.htm
Contacts
If you have questions feel free to contact the
Northeast Region Department of Natural
Resources Supervisors as follows:
Air Management and Asbestos
Rick Wulk (North Team) 920-662-5181
Imelda Stamm (South Team) 920-424-7884
Waste & Materials Management
Len Polczinski 920-662-5170
Forestry and Burning Permits
Mike Folgert 715-582-5016
John Lubbers 920-662-5132
At home and away from home, you can help protect our water resources.
Use commercial car washes instead of washing your car at home where the soapy water heads down the storm drain. (At a commercial car wash, the water runs into a sewer system where it is treated at the sewage treatment plant.) Soap can act like a fertilizer when it gets into a lake. This causes weed and algae growth. When the weeds and algae decompose, they use up the oxygen needed by fish. If your family really wants to wash the car at home, have your mom or dad drive it onto the lawn or onto a gravel drive. That way the water will soak into the ground and the soil will filter out most pollutants.
Repair leaks. Keep your eyes open for spots on your driveway or garage floor. If you see some, it means that the engine, transmission or radiator in your car is leaking. Tell your parents so that they can get the car repaired right away.
Substitute shoveling for salt. When Wisconsin winter winds blow, bringing snow to your driveway and sidewalk, use your muscles, not salt to clear them off. Throwing down salt may be an easy way to get rid of snow and ice, but it pollutes lakes, streams and groundwater. It also isn't good for trees and grass. If you can shovel your driveway and sidewalk before the snow gets packed down and icy, you won't have to use salt. If the pavement is still icy, use sand or sand mixed with salt to provide traction and melt snow. After the snow melts, sweep up the sand to keep it out of storm sewers and waterways.
Drive less. One of the best ways to prevent pollution of both air and water is to drive less. Can you carpool to school with a friend? Or, if you get up a few minutes earlier, can you bike or walk to school instead of getting a ride? How about running to the store for just a couple of things? Can you walk? Going to play at a friend's house? Hop on your bike or put on your tennis shoes. Not only does walking and biking help reduce pollution, but it keeps you in great shape too. As the saying goes, "just do it."
Conservation Tips 
