It’s legal to burn leaves, yard waste and other debris in your yard, but only within certain parameters. To be safe and considerate of your neighbors (and to stay on the right side of the law), here are the requirements set by Village of Germantown Ordinance #44-89:

A free burn permit is required from the Germantown Fire Department to burn yard waste, but permits are not needed for cooking fires, campfires, grills or outdoor fireplaces.

Fires are only allowed if winds are under 12 mph

Size of a fire is limited to 5x5x5 (5 ft. square and 5 ft. high)

Hose must be nearby and ready to use

Burning of garbage, toxic materials, flammable liquids and building materials is not permitted

No fires are allowed before 8 a.m. or after 8 p.m.

Where to get a burning permit

The following information is provided by the Germantown Fire Department:

Please call Station 2 at 262 502-4701 x1735 or email burnpermits@germantownfiredept.com to obtain a burning permit.

Please include with your email:
First and Last Name with Middle initial
Drivers License Number and expiration date
Date of birth
Burn location
Address
Phone Number

No burning is authorized until you are in possession of a burning permit. Permits are issued Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. If you wish to obtain a burning permit in person, they will be available at Station 2, located at N115 W18752 Edison Dr. in Germantown, Wis. during the same time period.

Image courtesy George Becker/Rowley Gallery