Burning periods
Important notes:
- The dates below may be subject to change. Please check with the Shire Administration Centre on 9729 0300.
- When a Total Fire Ban or a Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban has been declared it is illegal to carry out any activity that is likely to cause a fire.
| Period | Garden Refuse (1m by 1m) | Wood and solid fuel barbecue | Grass, paddock, bonfire, bush |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restricted Period 1 November 2025 – 14 December 2025 (midnight) | Permitted between 6pm and 11pm only | Prohibited when the fire danger is High or above, or a Total Fire Ban has been declared. | Permit to Burn Required |
| Prohibited Period 15 December 2025 to 12 April 2026 (midnight) | Prohibited | Prohibited when the fire danger is High or above, or a Total Fire Ban has been declared. Permitted at all other times if constructed in a way which prevents the escape of sparks or burning material and is within a three metres fuel free zone. | Prohibited |
| Restricted Period 13 April 2026 – 4 May 2026 (midnight) | Permitted between 6pm and 11pm only | Prohibited when the fire danger is High or above, or a Total Fire Ban has been declared. | Permit to Burn Required |
| Unrestricted Period (burning is allowed on any day, at any time) 4 May – 31 October (midnight) | Allowed There are no fire restrictions on burning, however, if the Fire Danger Rating is High or above and/or a Total Fire Ban has been put in place then no burning is permitted. It is your legal responsibility to check prior to undertaking any burn. Health legislation is also still applicable. | Allowed | Allowed |
Prohibited and Restricted Burning Periods are declared by the Authority under section 17 and 18 respectively of the Bush Fires Act 1954.
Fire danger ratings
The Fire Danger Rating tells you how dangerous a fire would be if one started.
Ratings are forecast by the Bureau of Meteorology, based on weather and other environmental conditions such as fuel load.
As illustrated below, the Australian Fire Danger Ratings levels are:
- Moderate: Plan and prepare
- High: Be ready and act
- Extreme: Take action now to protect life and property
- Catastrophic: For your survival, leave bushfire risk areas.
To view current and forecasted fire danger ratings visit the Bureau of Meteorology website.
Guidance on burning
- 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.
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.
Do not burn anything that is toxic such as:
- Plastics
- Accelerants
- Wooden pallets
- Asbestos
- Building materials
- Household goods.
Electric BBQs
Anytime of the year, including during a Total Fire Ban.
Gas BBQs
Anytime of the year, including during a Total Fire Ban.
Wood / Solid fuel BBQs and Pizza Ovens
Cannot be used when the Fire Danger Rating is High or above, or when a Total Fire Ban has been declared.
Note: During the Prohibited Burning Period you must not have any flammable material within a 3m radius of your BBQ.
Campfires and fire pits are not permitted during the Prohibited Burning period and on days when DFES has declared a Total Fire Ban.
Fire pits may be used outside of Prohibited Burning period unless the Fire Danger Rating is High or above.
Permits are required during the Restricted Burning period if burning over 1m3
More information and contact
For more information about permits to burn and burning off, please contact us.
