Are bonfires allowed in Milwaukee and the surrounding suburbs?

Summer is here. It's time to break out the marshmallows and other campfire food and roast them over your outdoor fire pits.

Before you start the fire, make sure your firepit or bonfire follows local laws and safety guidelines.

Here's what you need to know.

Yes. Residents can have backyard fire pits "built of metal, concrete or brick, well covered or screened to prevent the escape of sparkling and burning embers." Pits need to be placed at least 15 feet from any combustible structure, according to a city ordinance.

A charcoal or gas grill outside a single-family or 2-family home is exempt from the 15-feet requirement.

Most suburbs allow residents to have an outdoor fire pit, but each community has its own requirements for the size of the fire and proximity to other structures. Make sure to contact your local municipality's clerk office to make sure the fire doesn't violate any rules.

Here are some examples:

Fires are allowed in fire rings and grills only at Wisconsin State parks. Campers can only burn certified firewood or firewood originating from within 10 miles of the park. Firewood is available for sale at or near most state park properties. Certified firewood dealers can be located through the DATPC website at datcp.wi.gov.

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Contact Alex Groth at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter at @grothalexandria.