These dates are subject to slight variation according to seasonal conditions, but any alterations will be advertised locally.

Firebreaks and Fire Prevention Measures

Fire prevention measures must be completed and all properties cleared of fire hazards before 1^st December each year to reduce the risk of fires during the bushfire season.  Shire of Donnybrook Balingup Rangers commence annual property inspections on the 1^st December to ensure they comply with Council’s Fire Break Order.

Fire breaks shall be two (2) metres wide constructed to a mineral earth standard free of all flammable material and maintained throughout the entire compliance period.

The Shire will issue infringement notices from 1 December of each year for any non compliant properties. Warning notice will not be issued for non compliance unless suitable arrangements are made in writing or unless an exemption to the Shire Fire Break Order. All applications for exemptions must be received by the 30th September of each year.

FIRE BREAK VARIATIONS 2022

All land holders within the Shire of Donnybrook Balingup are advised that the closing date for Fire Break Variation Applications is the 30^th of September 2022 of each year.

For landowners who intend to apply for a variation from the typical annual firebreak order requirements for their property, must make application on a “Firebreak Variation Form”, available HERE.

Applicants will be advised in writing by the Shire if their application has been approved.

For further details please contact the Shire Rangers on 9780 4200.

Fire Break Variation Form

Burning Restrictions

Lighting fires on your property can be extremely dangerous.  Prohibited and Restricted burning dates are set according to seasonal conditions and may be adjusted.  General information, legal requirements and dates are available in the Fire Break Order 2022-2023.

Fire Break Order 2022-2023

Prohibited Burning Period

Lighting a fire is prohibited between the dates of 15 December to 31 March annually. Burning is also prohibited on any day where the Fire Danger Forecast is High or above, or if a Total Fire Ban has been declared. As these dates are subject to change, please check with the Shire prior to lighting any fires.

Restricted Burning Period

Burning is restricted from 1 November to 14 December and 1 to 26 April annually. You are not permitted to burn without a Fire Permit during this period.

Permits can be obtained through your local Fire Control Officer listed in the Fire Break Order linked above. If the Fire Control Officer is not available, please contact the Shire Office during business hours.

Unrestricted Burning Period

Whilst in the unrestricted burning period, you may burn without a permit. The unrestricted period runs from 27 April until 31 October annually. Please note that these dates are subject to change, dependant on the seasonal conditions.

Please be aware that, due to the impact of smoke, burning is still prohibited on land under 2000 m2.

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 (preferable a minimum of two adult able-bodied persons should be present for the 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.

Further advice on winter burning can be found in the DFES publication linked below for your convenience.

Winter Burning Guide

Fire Permits

Fire Permits to burn are required for all fires within the entire Restricted Periods. 
Permits can be obtained from through your Fire Control Officer as listed in the 2022/23 Fire Break Order linked above. 

Be advised that permits are unlikely to be issued by the Shire’s Health Services to burn garden refuse or other waste on lots within townsite, having less than 2000 square metres in size, as per the Shire’s Local Laws.

Affected neighbours must be notified at least four (4) days prior to any burning taking place. The permit holder must comply with the conditions set out in the permit and be in attendance at the fire at all times.