Bushfire Prevention

ACTIVITY

FIRE DANGER SEASON

TOTAL FIRE BAN DAY

Can I light a fire in the open air for burning off grass, stubble, weeds, undergrowth or other vegetation?

No. Unless you have obtained a Schedule 9 permit from your local Council.

No. Unless you have obtained a Schedule 10 permit from your local Council.

Can I burn off rubbish or grass cuttings?

Yes. But only in a properly constructed incinerator. When using an incinerator you must have:

• A four-metre cleared space around and above.
• A responsible person must be in attendance at all times with water or an extinguisher.
• All incinerator doors and openings must be closed and screens and guards in place.

If you want to burn on the ground you will require a Schedule 9 permit from your local Council.

Can I light a campfire, bonfire or light a fire for warmth or comfort?

Yes, but only if:

•  In a properly constructed fireplace; or
• In a portable cooking appliance; or
• The fire is in a 30cm deep trench and no more than one (1) metre square in area and
• You have a four (4) metre cleared space around and above the fire.
• A responsible person is in attendance at all times.
• An adequate agent to extinguish the fire is at hand.

Can I use a gas or an electric barbecue?

• A four metre cleared space around and above the gas fire or electric element.
• A responsible person is in attendance at all times.
• An adequate agent to extinguish the fire is at hand.

• Within 15 metres of domestic premises, or
• On a coastal foreshore

Providing you have:

• A four (4) metre cleared area around and above the barbeque.
• A responsible person is in attendance at all times with water or an extinguisher at hand.

Can I drive a vehicle off road?

Yes. You can drive a vehicle within 2 metres of flammable bush or grass provided that the engine is fitted with an exhaust system that complies with the requirements listed below.

An engine or vehicle exhaust system complies if:

(a) all engine exhaust emitted by the engine or vehicle exits through the system; and

(b) the system, or a device or devices forming part of the system, is designed to prevent the escape of burning material from the system; and

(c) the system, or a device or devices forming part of the system, is designed to prevent heated parts of the system from coming into contact with flammable material; and

(d) the system is in good working order.

Yes. You can drive a vehicle within 2 metres of flammable bush or grass provided that the engine is fitted with an exhaust system that complies with the requirements listed below.

An engine or vehicle exhaust system complies if:

(a) all engine exhaust emitted by the negine or vehicle exits through the system; and

(b) the system, or a device or devices forming part of the system, is designed to prevent the escape of burning material from the system; and

(c) the system, or a device or devices forming part of the system, is designed to prevent heated parts of the system from coming into contact with flammable material; and

(d) the system is in good working order.

Can I have a fire in a National Park Reserve or a forest reserve?

Can I use fireworks?

No. Private use of fireworks is banned.

Licensed pyrotechnicians can conduct firework displays providing a Schedule 9 permit has been obtained from the local Council.

No. Private use of fireworks is banned.

Licensed pyrotechnicians can conduct firework displays providing a Schedule 10 permit has been obtained from the local Council.

Can I use a grinder or welder outside?

Yes. Providing you have:

• A four metre cleared space around and above the area.
• A responsible person is in attendance at all times the appliance is in use.
• A portable water spray in good working order is at hand.

Can I use a chainsaw, grass trimmer, lawn mower or slasher?

Yes.  Provided that the engine is fitted with an exhaust system that complies with the requirements listed above (in the section regarding driving a vehicle off road) and

• You have a four metre cleared space around the area or
• The operator has a shovel or rake, and a portable water spray in good working order.

 Yes. Provided that the engines is fitted with an exhaust system that complies with the requirements listed above (in the section regarding driving a vehicle off road) and

• You have a four metre cleared space around the area or
• The operator has a shovel or rake, and a portable water spray in good working order.