Manitowoc County Emergency Management is reminding residents who burn things like brush to be ready.
Department Director Rhonda Green explained on the WCUB Breakfast Club that the most important thing to do first if you burn is to get a burn permit.
They are available on the Wisconsin DNR’s website.
The towns of Two Rivers and Schleswig require that you have a permit, although it might be different depending on where you live.
Green says there are only certain things you can burn in the county, specifically, “your brush, your leaves, your pine needles, grass, clean wood, unrecyclable paper and unrecyclable cardboard.”
Some items that can’t be burned include garbage, plastics, shingles, structures, construction debris, wires, rubber, electronics, and oil-based products.
Green says there could be consequences if you do burn illegally which could include fines.
When burning, keep the fire away from things like tree branches and homes.
As always, if a fire gets out of control, Green reminds residents to call 911.
To prevent a fire from getting out of control, Green says you can use sand or dirt on the outside of a fire pit to help slow the fire from spreading.
When you’re finished burning, use a lot of water and make sure it’s out.
More information about burning can be found on the Wisconsin DNR’s website.
