Where There's Fire, There's an Ordinance

While the long weekend ahead may mean recreation, the warmer weather may also bring out yard warriors looking to clean up and, in the process of getting rid of yard debris, burn up.

Muskego's ordinance prohibits the burning of the following materials : garbage, paper, putrescible (or decomposable) materials, buildings or other structures, lumber, construction materials, or materials from razed buildings.  

Dry brush, dry leaves, dry plant clippings, dry limbs, dry branches, dry logs or bonfires containing similar materials is permitted, but with limitations.

In addition, lake residents need to be aware that they may not burn within 20 feet of the water edge, in drainage ditches, or on or along water ways, including the ditch line. Any fires must be at least 30 feet from any building, utility pole, overhead wires, or any other combustible material.  Sufficient firefighting tools, like hoses and shovels should be at the ready, and no actively burning fire should be left unattended. 

Police also advise that you wet a finger and check the wind.  Winds in excess of 15 m.p.h. mean that no burning is allowed, and the wind direction at time of the fire should point away from buildings, or other combustible materials and structures.  Also important to note: smoke and soot from a fire should not carry into any adjoining buildings, onto laundry hanging outdoors, or in general be a nuisance to your neighborhood.  

Police Lt. Dave Constantineau pointed out that "this last one is so important because, if someone calls to complain that the smoke from your fire is bothering them, even if you are complying with everything else, you will have to extinguish your fire.  So it is to your benefit to make sure you are in compliance with the ordinance, and have a good relationship with your neighbors too."

Also, Constantineau cautioned if your fire does get away from you, and the fire department has to respond, you can receive a ticket, so plan those fires with care.