The Town of Wausau Fire Department is implementing a new process to get a burning permit. Burning permits can be acquired by Appling for a Permit Online. Click the link to start the Application.  Burning Permit Application

1. No permits are to be issued for open burning to businesses per the DNR.
2. Burning is permitted seven days a week except for legal holidays.
3. No permit is needed for campfires/recreational fires if they are used for cooking or for warmth.   (All recreational fires shall be in a fire pit with a minimum depth of eight inches and a maximum diameter of four feet, or in a portable (Weber-type) device that is placed upon a non-combustible surface and secured.  The fire may not extend more than four feet above the ground at any time.  Burning materials must be contained within the fire pit enclosure at all times.  All below ground fire pits shall be surrounded on the outside, above ground, by non-combustible materials such as concrete blocks, rock, or metal. Time and days are exempt.
4. Hours of burning are from 4:00 PM till midnight when winds are less than 8 mph.
5. No permit is required where the ground is completely covered with 1 (one) inch of snow. Hours for burning are exempt as long as the wind is less than 8 mph.
6. It is the owner’s responsibility to call the DNR HOT LINE @ 888-947-2876 to see if burning is allowed for that day in Marathon County (Enter 37 for Marathon).  Then call the Sheriff’s Department @ 715-261-1200 to tell them that you are doing a controlled burn.
7. Remember you are liable for any fire that you start, and all expenses incurred in the suppression of the fire you caused.
8. Materials that may not be burned are:
• Wet combustible rubbish, such as wet cardboard or paper.
• Oily substances, such as oily or greasy rags, oil filters, or paper.
• Asphalt such as asphalt shingles or tarpaper.
• Plastic of any kind including plastic bottles and plastic bags.
• Rubber products including tires and hoses.
9. Burning permits must be obtained before burning trees, brush, stumps, pallets, and dry unpainted/untreated wood. A burning permit is issued for any three days (no charge).
10. Burning barrel permits must be obtained before burning small amounts of dry mixed paper, container board (for example: cereal boxes and beverage packaging).  A burning barrel permit is issued annually

 FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Ben Schlund  at (715) 297-3396 or Dean Johnson  at (715) 573-1564