Oshkosh continues to require recreational fire permits

OSHKOSH, WI – (WGBW & WISS) – The Oshkosh Common Council voted down a proposal that would have done away with recreational fire permits in the city. Instead, the council asked city officials to bring forward an ordinance that would keep the requirement for a permit, but eliminate the $15 per year fee.

“When our Chief of Fire comes before us, and their staff is recommending against this for the education and safety portion of it,” said Common Council Member Karl Buelow, “It’s something that I don’t see the benefit of removing the permitting process against their advice.”

Paul Esslinger, who requested the change in the ordinance, said this is more of a policy question than a safety question. He said Oshkosh residents shouldn’t have to pay a fee for a recreational fire on their properties.

“I’m not arguing with the rules and regulations that go along with this. We clearly need those,” said Esslinger. “Again this is just whether we need to charge someone $15 to be educated. And the answer to that is, “No.’”

Council Member Joseph Stevenson proposed keeping the fire permits but changing the fee associated to $0. Kris Larson said he found that to be the best solution.

“My problem with it has always been that we had to pay for it,” said Larson. “I feel like the fee is for the administration of the permit, and I’m not sure that’s entirely fair.

Ultimately the Common Council voted “No” to an ordinance that would remove the requirements for a permit for recreational fires. The Council then directed city staff to draft an ordinance that would remove the fee from the permitting requirement. The consensus was that this would allow for the education and safety piece of the permit to remain while eliminating the cost. 

The next Common Council meeting is August 27.