Burn Permits are provided by the fire department for burning within the Village of Mount Horeb ONLY. Permits are not available from the fire department for other villages or townships in the Mount Horeb Area Fire District. Please refer to local village or township burn regulations and rules for burning outside of the Village of Mount Horeb.
To view the ordinances for the Village of Mount Horeb regarding burning, please click the link below.
Burn Permits can be obtained at the Mount Horeb Fire Department Monday-Friday, 8-4:30 PM. Please call ahead at 608-437-5571
When burning, make sure you are prepared. Have appropriate burning tools available and the necessary help to control the fire. Having a water source is preferred by utilizing wildland water bladder backpacks with sprayers, hoses or ATVs with tanks and sprayers. Have wildland brooms, flappers or rakes to assist in keeping the fire contained. If working near a forested area, have a chain saw ready should any wood accidentally catch fire. Remember, even a small burn pile can release embers that can quickly start spot fires that cannot be contained.
Large area burns should have a path mowed around them at least twice as wide as the height of the fuel. For example, if grass stands 4 feet tall, the path should be 8 feet wide. Make sure when burning to have someone walk the path frequently to ensure fire has not crept across the mowed path into areas that were not intended to be burned.
Pay attention to wind direction and be prepared for shifting winds, some of which can be created by the fire itself and it's release of heat. Generally, burn into the wind and downhill if possible as the wind and uphill direction can increase the speed of the fire. Stay in the "black." The "black" refers to the ash left after the fuel has burned, meaning you can't be caught off-guard standing in UN-burned fuel (un-burned grass for example).
Please be aware, the Department of Natural Resources does issue burn restrictions when conditions are unfavorable for burning. Burn Restriction Zones and Burn Bans are updated on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources web site during burning seasons. By clicking the link below, you will be re-directed the Department of Natural Resources web site where you can read on current restrictions or bans.
Generally, the Mount Horeb Fire Department discourages burning in hot, dry and breezy conditions.
Burns occurring in the Burn Restriction zones will be reported to the Department of Natural Resources and a fine may be issued.