Well, you’ve probably heard about Milwaukee Burger Co.’s plans to burn Brett Favre memorabilia during the upcoming Packers/Vikings game. The owner and manager were interviewed by ESPN2’s First Take for cripes sake (video), and the story was on this morning’s SportsCenter. The idea was to have some fun and raise  money for charity. Really, it was a genius idea from a restaurant promotion perspective, but alas, the crusty ol’ Fire Department had to step in and spoil the fun by "doing their job" to "keep everyone safe."

The Leader-Telegram has the details. Once you skip past the “Hey! We broke the story! We started it all! There’s 154 comments on the Twincities.com’s reprint!!!” part, we learn …

• In response to some of the negative publicity and concerns from the Eau Claire Fire Department, it has been determined that one jersey will be burned and the remainder of the articles turned in will be donated to Goodwill. Every item turned in for the burn still will result in $10 being donated to Wisconsin Alliance for Fire Safety. Kolk wants the money to go to the alliance's summer camp for youth burn victims in East Troy. …
• As far as the burning, Rick Merryfield, Fire Department deputy chief, said the restaurant won't be allowed to use a burn barrel, but it is cleared to use a campfire container that can be purchased. Or it could build something that resembles a campfire container.

Furthermore, “Milwaukee Burger Co. organizers also must have a fire extinguisher at the ready.” Yes, kids, it’s important to remember that safety comes first when burning sports stars in almost-effigy. We also learn from the L-T that some people were pissed because the eatery were going to burn stuff to raise money for burn victims. I guess that’s ironic, but offensive? Come on – they’re trying to raise charity money. Lighten up. However, some people complained that all those #4 jerseys and sweatshirts could be donated to Goodwill for people to, you know, actually wear. That’s an idea I can get behind.