Fire Permits
* Apply Online
OUTDOOR FIREPLACE GUIDELINES
The City of Appleton Municipal Code provides regulations relating to the use of outdoor fireplaces. With the exception of fires fueled by natural gas, propane and charcoal, a permit must be obtained by the fire department prior to having any outdoor fire.
The permit must be approved by the Fire Chief or his designee, and includes an inspection of the appliance and the site to be used for burning. Applicants are encouraged to speak with surrounding neighbors regarding outdoor fire usage to reduce the possibility of nuisance complaints and discontinued outdoor fire use.
NOTE: No permit shall be granted for open burning for multi-family occupancies (3 or more). Permits for duplexes require property owner’s written permission. Permits for single-family occupancies that are not owner-occupied also need written permission from the owner.
Burning Times:
Sunday – Thursday: 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Friday – Saturday: 6:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Any day/evening preceding a federal holiday: 6:00 a.m. – 12:00a.m.
Type of Permits
• Daily (single use) $15.00 (Requires Inspection)
• Seasonal (New) $30.00 (January 1 - December 31) (Requires Inspection)
• Seasonal (Renewal) $30.00 (January 1 - December 31)
• Payment is cash or check payable to City of Appleton or complete the application process on-line and pay with a credit card.
Above-ground appliances must include:
• Non-tipping base
• Screen enclosure, covered top
• Maximum size 36” in diameter or 7 sq. ft.
In-ground appliances must include:
• Lined with dirt or a non-combustible material (steel or masonry).
• Screen enclosure, covered top.
• Maximum size 36” in diameter or 7 sq. ft.
• Extends a minimum of eight inches (8”) above ground
Requirements for all appliances:
• A site inspection will be completed prior to issuing a new permit. Renewal permits do not typically require a re-inspection unless there has been a change to the burning appliance or the location of burning.
• Fire must be placed a minimum ten (10) feet from any building, structure, fence, combustible play equipment, combustible landscape, or property line.
• A water hose, 5-gallon water bucket, or fire extinguisher must be available at the location of the fire.
• Only natural wood or manufactured fireplace logs may be burned. Do not burn treated wood, painted wood, stained wood, leaves, newspapers or garbage.
• Burning must be attended at all times by a person at least eighteen (18) years of age.
• Wind may not be in excess of 9 mph.
BRUSH AND OPEN BURNING GUIDELINES
Type of Permit
A permit is required for brush or open burning within the City of Appleton.
Cost
A single use daily burning permit ($25.00) can be obtained by calling 832-5810.
Site Inspection
A site inspection must be completed prior to issuing a permit.
Burn Times
Burning will be conducted between 7:00 a.m. and sunset.
Other Guidelines
- Material to be burned shall not include rubbish, garbage, trash, any material made of or coated with plastic, rubber, leather or petroleum-based materials. Material may not contain flammable or combustible materials.
- The size of the pile to burn shall not exceed 4’ wide by 4’ long by 3’ high.
- Material to be burned shall be 50 feet away from any combustibles other than grass. If the materials are in an approved metal container, they may be burned 15 feet from combustibles.
- A fire extinguisher minimum size 2A10BC must be on site and accessible during burning.
- No burning will be allowed if wind conditions will cause smoke, embers or other burning materials to be carried toward any building or other combustible material. Burning is not permitted if wind speed exceeds 9 m.p.h.
- Burning is to be attended at all times by a responsible person at least 18 years of age.
- Upon completion of daily burning, fire is to be completely extinguished.