City Lifts Bans on Burning and Sprinkling, But Restrictions in Place

City of Brookfield residents may resume outdoor burning and lawn watering effective today, after the city lifts its bans on those activities.

"With the modest rainfall over the past week, projected rainfall this week and cooler temperature," the ban is lifted, Brookfield Fire Chief Charlie Myers said Monday.

The city Public Works Department also lifted its sprinkling ban, effective Monday.

The neighboring Town of Brookfield also lifted its and bans last week.

Burning

The city reverts back to its previous rules on outdoor burning of yard waste / brush.

Note: the day and time restrictions listed below do not apply to fires in barbecue pits, grills and outdoor fireplaces; they are exempted under Municipal code 8.36. Burning of fire pits can be done at any time, but the fire department cautioned to take care in protecting homes from any flying embers.

It's back to these rules for open burning:

• Burning is permitted on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. when the wind is less than 15 mph.
• No flammable liquids are permitted and no burning of garbage or construction material is allowed.
• Combustible material must be less than two feet high and no larger than five feet in diameter.
• Material must be a minimum of 25 feet from the front lot line, 15 feet from the side lot line, and 10 feet from the rear lot line.
• The fire must be watched at all times and a fire extinguisher or garden hose must be present and ready for immediate use.

The fire chief urged residents to use "extreme caution" in resuming outdoor burning.

"Burning leads to air pollution and is a health and fire hazard," he said. "For those who already suffer from asthma and other breathing disorders, burning can be extremely hazardous. If you do choose to burn please be considerate of your neighbors."

Fireworks

The only fireworks allowed in the city are sparklers and caps; all else is prohibited for sale, possession and use.

Sprinkling

City Public Works Director Tom Grisa stated despite recent rains, more rain is needed.

"We still need rain as we are well behind the average for the year," he said. "However, now that we have had some rain and temperatures have cooled off the water utility believes the ban can be lifted."

Previous sprinkling rules are reinstated:

• Watering is limited to evening and overnight hours from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m.; daytime watering is not allowed.
• Even-numbered property addresses can water on even-numbered days and odd-numbered addresses to water on odd numbered days.
• Property owners who have newly installed lawns may continue to water as needed if they contact the water utility.