Prohibited and Restricted Burning Times
Prohibited Burning Times
Prohibited Burning Times are set by the Fire & Emergency Services (FES) Minister under Section 17 of the Bush Fires Act 1954 (the Act). During this period, you must not start a fire in the open air.
Dates for prohibited burning times may change depending on prevailing weather conditions, so please check this website regularly for any changes.
Prohibited Burning Times are from 1 November until 31 January
The penalty for a breach of s.17 of the Act is up to $10,000 or 12 months’ imprisonment or both.
Restricted Burning Times
Restricted Burning Times are set by the Fire & Emergency Services (FES) Commissioner under Section 18 of the Bush Fires Act 1954 (the Act). During the Restricted Burning Period you will need a permit to start a fire in the open air.
Restricted Burning period 19 September to 31 October, you will need a permit to light a fire in the open air.
Permits are free, but you must make sure that there is no danger of the fire escaping and that you comply with all the conditions that are listed on the permit.
You must also check the fire danger rating for the district for the day you are planning to burn. If the forecast fire danger rating is very high, extreme, or catastrophic, your permit is automatically suspended.
The Shire of Lake Grace may also issue an order to revoke all burning permits for a particular day, or order any fires already alight to be extinguished, so check the Shire’s website prior to burning.
You must also not light a fire, even if you have been issued with a permit, on a day where a Total Fire Ban has been declared, or if the Shire has declared that fires are not to be lit.
To apply for a permit, please contact the Fire Control Officer for your area, who will decide if it is safe for a fire to be lit and may issue you with a permit (FCO contact details are available on the Shire’s website at www.lakegrace.wa.gov.au). Please remember that FCOs are volunteers and may not be available at short notice, so make sure that you plan well ahead.
If you light a fire in the open air without a permit during the restricted burning times, you may face penalties of up to $4,500 for a first offence and $10,000 for a second or subsequent offence.
Permits to Burn
To apply for a permit, please contact the Fire Control Officer for your area, who will decide if it is safe for a fire to be lit and may issue you with a permit.
Permits are free, but you must make sure that you comply with all the conditions that are listed on the permit.
Please note that all permits are automatically cancelled on days when the fire danger rating for the district is forecast to be very high, extreme, or catastrophic.
You must also not light a fire, even if you have been issued with a permit, on a day where a Total Fire Ban has been declared, or if the Shire has declared that fires are not to be lit.
Permits to Burn Clover or Prohibited Plants
Permits to burn subterranean clover and prohibited plants can only be issued by authorised officers. Please contact the Shire on 9890 2500 for more information.
Burning Permits – Frequently Asked Questions
When do I need a Permit to Burn?
If you need to light a fire during the restricted burning times (19 September 2020 to 31 October 2020 and 1 February 2021 to 30 April 2021) you must obtain a permit to burn before you light the fire.
What if I burn off without a permit?
If you light a fire in the open air without a permit during the restricted burning times, you may face penalties of up to $4,500 for a first offence and $10,000 for a second or subsequent offence.
How do I get a Permit to Burn?
Contact the Fire Control Officer (FCO) for your district. Please remember that FCOs are volunteers and may not be available at short notice so make sure that you plan well ahead.
What does a Permit to Burn cost?
Burning permits are issued free of charge.
Do I need to do anything before I light my Permit Burn?
- You must make sure that there is no danger of the fire escaping.
- You must make sure that you have met all the conditions that are listed on the permit, which included advising your neighbours that you are planning to burn.
- You must also check the fire danger rating for the district for the day you are planning to burn. If the forecast fire danger rating is very high or above, your permit is automatically suspended.
- The Shire of Lake Grace may also issue an order to revoke all burning permits for a particular day, or order any fires already alight to be extinguished, so check the Shire’s website prior to burning.