Area residents who wish to dispose of something by burning it — such as the many leaves covering their yards — can use a new online tool from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources before they light the fire. The interactive tool “Can I burn?” asks users what they would be burning, where the materials come from and what their intent is. Then it gives either a yea or nay on whether open burning may be an option and offers other instructions. According to a DNR news release, the agency intends the tool to help Wisconsin residents determine whether open burning is safe and know if they need permits, as well as how to obtain approval. While state regulations often prohibit open burning, some materials, such as clean wood and yard waste, can be allowed. Even if burning is allowed, residents may need a DNR wildfire prevention burn permit, the release stated.