Brookfield OKs Temporary Open Burning Of Storm Debris

BROOKFIELD, WI — The Brookfield Common Council on Tuesday approved a temporary ordinance allowing residents to burn debris from last week's storms. The vote was 10-4 in favor of the motion.

The ordinance allows burning between noon and 6 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays for the rest of August. The ordinance will expire on Sept. 1.

Aldermen Bill Carnell, Michael Jurken, Mike Hallquist and Kathryn Wilson voted against the ordinance.

Alderman Brad Blumer voted in favor of the measure. But he said he hasn't gotten many calls in his district asking for emergency relief and questioned if it was in the city's policy to allow the burning of branches and fallen trees.

"I don't know what that is going to look like when people start trying to light up a whole tree," Blumer said.

Alderman Bill Carnell said he previously worked hard to limit burning in the city but understood the amount of debris from the storms.

Both Blumer and Carnell questioned how the request was created and who was requesting it.

Mayor Steve Ponto said there were a number of emails and phone calls asking for it. The temporary ordinance was the least complicated way to provide relief to residents, according to the mayor.

"We were trying in a lot of different ways to do whatever the city could do to help residents in this circumstance," Ponto said.

Hallquist had concerns about people burning wet wood, which might send smoke into neighborhoods.

"The fact that it is only a two-week duration, I don't think it is the correct solution for it," he said.

Hallquist added he would be supportive of extending hours at the recycling center, as the city did the previous weekend.

Ponto added there were concerns about overwhelming the center and about traffic during the special drop-off on Saturday. He added there were residents who also didn't have the means to move debris there.

Alderman Gary Mahkorn told the council the ordinance only applied for two weeks. While he didn't have storm debris issues in his own yard, he knew a number of residents who did.

"I don't know why we are having this huge debate over something that is going to evaporate in a couple of weeks," Mahkorn said.

According to Alderman Alderman Brad Blumer the regular burning ordinance is between the hours of noon and 6 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Burning is allowed in April, May, October and November.

• The pile must be located 25 feet from the front lot line and 15 feet from the side and 10 feet from the rear lot line.
• If the person conducting the burning is 18 years of age or older and must be in attendance of the fire at all times.
• With adequate fire extinguishing equipment present – garden hose or fire extinguisher available and ready to use.