To check the current Fire Danger Rating, or to find out if a Total Fire Ban has been declared, visit the Emergency WA website.
Refer to the pages linked below to see various resources, property categories, dates, definitions, and regulated activities as outlined in the latest Fire Prevention Order.
Prohibited Burning Period
In effect from 15 December to 31 March, every year
No burning is allowed during this time. This means:
- No campfires, firepits or bonfires
- You cannot use a BBQ when a Total Fire Ban has been declared, or when the Fire Danger Rating is High or above - please refer to the Fire Prevention Order for further information about regulated activities
- No burning of garden refuse
- All issued Permits to Burn are cancelled
- All landowners are reminded to check that any recent burn-offs are fully extinguished.
To check the current Fire Danger Rating, or to find out if a Total Fire Ban has been declared, visit the Emergency WA website.
Visit Emergency WA
All News & Notices
Firebreaks & Prevention
Restricted Burning Period
In effect every year from:
- 1 April to 26 April
- 1 November to 14 December
During this time, you are not permitted to burn during the day without a Burning Permit. If you would like to obtain one, please contact your local Bush Fire Control Officer (BFCO).
BFCO Contact List
More about Permits & Hazard Reduction
What you can do (restrictions apply)
During the Restricted Burning Period, between 6:00pm and 11:00pm, you are allowed to use a wood and/or solid fuel barbecue. You may also burn garden refuse - when doing this, please be sure you are aware of the following.
- You can only burn one (1) pile of garden waste at a time - remember:
- Only light after 6:00pm (you must stay and attend to your burn until it is extinguished)
- It must be completely out before midnight (ensure you have an adequate water supply)
- Each pile must not be bigger than 1 cubic metre (1m by 1m)
- Keep a clear 3m area around the pile for safety
- You can add waste to your burn until 11:00pm as long as the pile does not exceed this size limit
- You must have a Burning Permit on Sundays and public holidays (even if the burn is planned between 6:00pm and 11:00pm)
- You must meet the following Notification Requirements:
- Register the burn with DFES via (08) 9395 9209
- Let the people living near you know about the burning at least 72 hours in advance
Unrestricted Burning Period
No Permits required from 27 April to 31 October (some conditions still apply)
During this time, you may burn without a permit - note that due to the impact of smoke, burning is still prohibited on land under 2000m2. Additionally, please ensure that you have registered the burn with DFES via (08) 9395 9209.
REMEMBER! No burning is allowed at any time when:
- A Total Fire Ban has been called
- The Fire Danger Rating is High or above
Check Emergency WA for the latest alerts & warnings
Visit Emergency WA
Fire Danger Ratings
More about Fire Bans
All News & Notices
Winter is an ideal time to start preparing your property for the upcoming fire season, particularly if you choose to use fire to reduce the fuel load on your property. The Shire encourages property owners to take advantage of this safer period to conduct their fire hazard reduction burning.
When conducting a burn please note that care must be exercised:
- The burn must be conducted in an area that is surrounded by firebreaks
- Rake around dead trees to minimise the risk of them catching alight
- Notify your neighbours prior to lighting up
- Be in attendance and control of the burn at all times
- Preferably a minimum of two (2) adult able-bodied persons should be present for the full duration of the burn
- Have the ability to extinguish the fire if the conditions change (water or manual methods)
- Do not burn damp, wet or green material as this will cause excessive smoke
- Fires are to be immediately extinguished should smoke blow across public roads causing visibility to be reduced.
Please note that despite there being no fire restrictions on burning, burning is not permitted if the Fire Danger Rating is High or above and/or a Total Fire Ban has been put in. It is your legal responsibility to check prior to undertaking any burn. Health legislation is also still applicable - please refer to the Fire Prevention Order for further information.
Fire Danger Ratings (FDR)
The Fire Danger Rating system tells you how dangerous a fire would be if one started. The Australian Fire Danger Ratings levels are:
-
Moderate (green)
Plan and prepare. Most fires can be controlled.
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High (yellow)
Be ready to act. Fires can be dangerous.
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Extreme (orange)
Take action now to protect your life and property. Fires will spread quickly and be extremely dangerous.
-
Catastrophic (red)
For your survival, leave bushfire risk areas. If a fire starts and takes hold, lives are likely to be lost.
On days when there is No Rating or minimal risk, remain alert and abide by local seasonal laws and regulations.
To view current alerts, warnings, and forecasted fire danger ratings, refer to Emergency WA.
Visit Emergency WA
More about Fire Danger Ratings (DFES)
Guides for Safe Burning & Other Resources
If you are burning a large area, consider installing a firebreak around the area you intend to burn and ensure you have sufficient people/fire unit to assist you if required.
If the fire becomes uncontrollable, call 000 immediately.
For the latest information and advice relating to fire safety and emergency, refer to the Department of Fire & Emergency Services:
About Bushfires & Preparation
Publications & Guides
Please note that you are not allowed to burn anything that is toxic, which includes (but is not limited to) plastics, accelerant, wooden pallets, asbestos, building materials, and household goods.
You are allowed to use an electric or gas BBQ at any time of the year, including during a Total Fire Ban. If you are using a wood or solid fuel BBQ and/or pizza oven, you are not allowed to use it when the Fire Danger Rating is High or above, or when a Total Fire Ban has been declared. During the Prohibited Burning Period, you must not have any flammable material within a 3m radius of your BBQ either. If you are unsure about if it’s safe to use your BBQ, please contact your local Fire Control Officer for clarification.
Campfires and fire pits are not permitted during the Prohibited Burning Period, and on days when DFES has declared a Total Fire Ban. You may use a fire pit outside of the Prohibited Burning Period unless the Fire Danger Rating is High or above, similar to a wood or solid fuel BBQ. Permits are required during the Restricted Burning Period if burning over 1m2.
Before burning, make sure you have considered the following:
- Check the weather conditions (wind strength, the direction of the wind),
- Ensure sufficient running water is close to hand,
- Use metal fittings on your hoses if possible,
- Consider the impact of smoke on others,
- Keep the burn contained and controlled,
- Make sure the burn is fully extinguished once it’s complete,
- Do not leave the fire unattended.
Do not burn the road verge without written permission from the Shire. Please contact us to discuss.
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