Burning Periods and Fire Danger Ratings

Burning periods

Important notes:

PeriodGarden Refuse (1m by 1m)Wood and solid fuel barbecueGrass, paddock, bonfire, bush

Restricted Period 
2 November 2024 - 14 December 2024 (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 2024 to 14 March 2025   (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 
15 March 2025 -   15 May 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

Unrestricted Period 
(burning is allowed on any day, at any time) 
16 May - 1 November (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.
AllowedAllowed

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

Burning your garden waste during the restricted period

During the restricted period:

  • You can’t burn on Sundays and Public Holidays without a permit to burn
  • You can only burn one pile of garden waste at a time
  • Each pile must not be bigger than 1 cubic metre. Clear 3 metres around the edge of your pile for safety
  • The burn must be lit after 6pm
  • You can add waste to your burn until 11pm as long as the pile does not exceed 1 cubic metre at a time
  • The burn needs to be completely out before midnight
  • Let the people living near you know 72 hours before you burn
  • Stay and attend to your burn until it is extinguished
  • Ensure you have an adequate water supply.
What to consider before 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.

What can't I burn?

Do not burn anything that is toxic such as:

  • Plastics
  • Accelerants
  • Wooden pallets
  • Asbestos
  • Building materials
  • Household goods.
When can I use my BBQ?

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

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 1m2

    More information and contact

    For more information about permits to burn and burning off, please contact us.

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