Forestry

Forest Fire Program

Fire Prevention

Improper Ash Disposal

Wood Stoves, Bar-B-Ques, Fireplaces, Outdoor Wood Boilers

5 Mile Fire
5 Mile Fire in Washburn and Douglas co, 1977

A fireplace or wood stove with a dancing fire lends a cozy feeling to any home, especially on a cool, blustery day. Fireplaces, wood stoves, bar-b-ques and other wood-burning equipment can provide efficient heat, cooking mediums and aesthetics. Unfortunately, all too often improper disposal of ashes from these devices is the cause of wild fires, as well as fires in dumpsters and trash cans. Piles of ashes can hold enough heat to start a fire for several days and even longer after any flames are seen if not properly extinguished.

Campfire safety

Campfire Safety Podcast - Click the campfire to listen to the mp3 file!

Before disposing of ashes, follow these steps:

  1. Place them in a metal container, or on bare earth, never in paper or plastic bags or cardboard boxes. (We know this sounds obvious, but it happens all the time.)
  2. Wet the ashes and stir as you add more water to make sure they are dead cold!

Campfire safety

smokey bear poster

Under normal circumstances no permits are required for warming or cooking fires (campfires) in Wisconsin. However, when very high or extreme fire conditions are reached, the state can enact temporary fire restrictions that will either limit or prohibit the use of campfires. Under any circumstances, YOU are responsible for maintaining a safe campfire and can be held liable for the suppression cost should you cause a wildfire.

If a fire is desired and conditions are favorable, use an existing fire ring. If there is not one available, ensure with the property owner that construction of campfires is allowed, then follow the guidelines below for setting up and extinguishing your campfire.

  1. Be careful where you build your campfire: Select an open level spot away from trees, overhanging branches and dense dry grass.
  2. Be sure your fire can't spread: clear a ten-foot fire circle to bare soil around where your campfire is going to be. (scrape with your shovel)
  3. Dig a shallow hole in the center of your fire circle then circle the pit with rocks to shelter the campfire from the wind and help keep burning materials inside the pit.
  4. Never leave your campfire unattended and always have a shovel and bucket of water on site.
  5. When finished, drown your campfire thoroughly with water and stir the ashes.
  6. Scrape all embers off of the partially burned sticks and logs.
  7. Check the entire area outside the campfire circle for any hot embers. Remember that it only takes one spark or ember to start a forest fire!
  8. Add more water to your fire and stir again until it's cold.
  9. Follow the property owner's wishes or regulations for returning your campfire site to natural conditions, if applicable.
Last Revised: Tuesday June 02 2009