Are the weather conditions right for me to burn today?
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources provides daily burning restrictions/fire danger information at the DNR Website
Can I burn my leaves?
Yes, you can burn leaves in your yard but make sure to:
Burn in a fire resistant container not larger than 55 gallons
Use a wire mesh cover with openings of 1/2 inch or less
Locate the container 25 feet from a building or ten (10) feet of a lot line
Do not use flammable liquids or other materials which create a fire hazard
Watch and control the fire at all times
Provide fire protection such as garden hose or fire extinguisher
Can I grill outside my apartment? (Multifamily dwelling)
You may NOT use or kindle a hibachi, grill or other similar device used for cooking, heating or any other purpose on a balcony, under an overhanging portion, or within 10 ft of any part of the multifamily structure.
No hibachi, grill or other similar devices used for cooking shall be stored on a balcony.
No fuel for a hibachi, grill or other similar devices used for cooking may be stored with that equipment on a balcony.
Yes, you can have a campfire in your yard but make sure:
10 feet away from anything
Pit dimensions are 10 inches deep by 2 feet wide
Surround your pit with rocks or block
No or light wind speeds
Smoke does not create a nuisance for others
Fire suppression equipment is available (garden hose, extinguisher, shovel)
Attend your fire at all times
Can I shoot off fireworks in the Village of Sussex?
The Village of Sussex Ordinance 9.09 (15) adopts the Wisconsin State Statute 167.10 on the Regulation of Fireworks.
167.10 (3)(a) states:
“No person may possess or use fireworks without a user's permit from the mayor of the city, president of the village or chairperson of the town in which the possession or use is to occur or from a person designated by the mayor, president or chairperson to issue a user's permit. No person may use fireworks or a device listed under sub. (1) (e) to (g) or (i) to (n) while attending a fireworks display for which a permit has been issued to a person listed under par. (c) 1. to 5. or under par. (c) 6. if the display is open to the general public.”
Some allowable fireworks include:
• A toy snake which contains no mercury.
• A sparkler on a wire or wood stick not exceeding 36 inches in length or 0.25 inch in outside diameter which does not contain magnesium, chlorate, or perchlorate.
• A device designed to spray out paper confetti or streamers and which contains less than one-quarter grain of explosive mixture.
• A device designed to produce an audible sound but not explode, spark, move or emit an external flame after ignition and which does not exceed 3 grams in total weight.
• A device that emits smoke with no external flame and does not leave the ground.
• A cylindrical fountain not exceeding 100 grams in total weight with an inside tube diameter not exceeding .075 inch, designed to sit on the ground and emit only sparks and smoke.
• A cone fountain not exceeding 75 grams in total weight, designed to sit on the ground and emit only sparks and smoke.
See the Village of Sussex ordinance and Wisconsin State Statute for more detailed information.
Do I need a Burning Permit in the Village of Sussex?
Refer to Sussex Municipal Code 5.18 (7) for complete details.
You would only need to ask the Fire Chief for special written burning permission if you need to:
Open burn (such as a grass area, open field, brush, woods, or other open area) or burn outside of a 55 gallon fire resistant container
Burn Garbage
Burn creating toxic combustion, noxious odors or a health hazard
Burn within 10 ft of a lot line or 25ft of a building
Burn flammable liquids
Does the Fire Department install or provide smoke detectors?
On occasion, the fire department will be provided with grant funding to purchase and provide smoke detectors to the public. Currently we DO NOT have smoke detectors available.
The severe weather sirens are tested on Wednesdays at 2 p.m.
Sirens are located near Village Well #4, Woodside Tower, Corporate Center, Industrial Park and the Public Safety Building.
My smoke detector or CO alarm is chirping! What do I do?
If you are having issues with your current smoke detector or CO Alarm, or the alarm is sounding, Dial 911 if you feel it is an emergency. Otherwise, if able, troubleshoot your alarm per manufacturers recommendations. If all else fails please refer to Waukesha County Communications Non-Emergency number at 262-446-5070
What do I do with an old or expired fire extinguisher?
Never place a fire extinguisher in your recycling. Below is a company that accepts old and/or empty fire extinguishers for a small fee:
Action Fire & Alarm
1516 S West Ave
Waukesha, WI 53189
262-521-3340
Where do I dispose needles and other Sharps?
Disposing of your Sharps may be as easy returning to the pharmacy where they were dispensed. The DNR also maintains a list of registered sharps collection stations. In addition, many healthcare providers accept sharps but are not required to register with the DNR.
Wisconsin Registered Sharps Collection Stations Near Sussex
• Aurora Pharmacy
N84W16889 Menomonee Ave Ste 1408
Menomonee Falls WI 53051-2810
262-251-8500
• Aurora Pharmacy
W231N1440 Corporate Ct Ste 101
Waukesha WI 53186-1303
262-896-6040
• Aurora Pharmacy
600 Walnut Ridge Dr
Hartland WI 53029-9385
262-369-7080
• Aurora Pharmacy
16985 W Bluemound Rd Ste 100
Brookfield WI 53005-5909
262-782-8125
Who is responsible for clearing snow from around the fire hydrants?
We ask that residents in the Village, if able, clear the fire hydrant nearest their home. The Village DPW and Water Department attempt to clear as many hydrants as possible, but that can become a daunting task when faced with severe winter weather and back to back snow storms.
In an emergency, every second matters. Fire hydrants that are blocked, concealed or difficult to access due to snow or ice can impede emergency fire response. Hydrants covered in snow can be difficult to locate, and uncovering them can waste valuable time needed during a fire. Keeping hydrants clear can mean easier access to water and more time doing what really matters — fighting the fire.
In addition to removing snow and debris covering the hydrant itself, it is important to clear the area around the hydrant for easier access. It is also important to maintain a shoveled path from the street or driveway to the fire hydrant so that it is visible from the road and firefighters can easily access it.
Help keep your home and family safe from winter fire hazards by ensuring the fire hydrants in your neighborhood are clear and readily accessible in an emergency.
