Campfire Permits

If you are planning on building a campfire, you must get a permit.  The application fee for a one day permit is $10 or $25 for a yearly permit.  An application must be filed with the City a minimum of five workdays in advance of the date requested for burning. Permits are available at City Administrative Offices or request one emailed to you by calling 262-723-2219.  You may also click on the link below to fill and print your application.  Please return the application and payment to City Administrative Offices at 311 Seymour Ct. or mail with payment to PO Box 920, Elkhorn, WI 53121.  The Fire Chief will inspect the campfire area and issue the permit.

Exemptions see definitions section 2 (a) of Open burning ordinance 5.17.  Outdoor Commercially Manufactured Portable Fireplace, Outdoor Constructed Permanent Fireplaces and Gas Fueled Recreational Fire Pits do not require a campfire permit.   

Permit Required. Campfires and commercial cooking fires are allowed only upon a permit having been issued by the Fire Chief or designee. Such permitted fires shall be subject to the following requirements:

1. Campfires shall use untreated wood as a combustible source, no leaves or yard waste.
2. Campfires shall be located a minimum of 15' from any occupied dwelling, wood structure or any building and 10’ from any street, alley or property line.
3. Campfires shall have a pit no larger than 48" in diameter with noncombustible ring of at least 12" high from ground level.
4. The fire level shall not be stacked higher than 2'.
5. Campfires shall be allowed to burn:
   1. Monday through Thursday - 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
   2. Friday and Saturday - 12:00 p.m. (noon) to 12:00 a.m. (midnight)
   3. Sunday - 12:00 p.m. (noon) to 10:00 p.m.
6. Burning is not allowed whenever the wind speeds exceed 10 miles per hour.
7. Campfires shall be extinguished by dousing with water.
8. Application must be submitted 5 days in advance of the first fire.