When can I burn?

The Shire of Lake Grace has an abundance of broadacre cropping land, sprinkled with native vegetation which makes many areas bushfire-prone.  Therefore there is a need to restrict or prohibit the lighting of fires in the open air or restrict activities likely to cause a fire.

NOTE: These dates are subject to variation and alterations will be published in the local newspaper as well as below.

The Restricted Burning Period is now in effect.

	GRASS, PADDOCK, BONFIRE, BUSH	WOOD AND SOLID FUEL BARBECUE	1M BY 1M GARDEN REFUSE, 6PM TO 11PM*
Restricted Burning Period 19 September to 31 October**	Permit Required Contact your local Fire Control Officer	Allowed In accordance with the conditions outlined below.	Allowed In accordance with the conditions outlined below.
Prohibited Burning Period 1 November to midnight 28 February**	Prohibited	Allowed In accordance with the conditions outlined below.	Prohibited
Restricted Burning Period 29 February/1 March to 30 April**	Permit Required Contact your local Fire Control Officer	Allowed In accordance with the conditions outlined below.	Allowed In accordance with the conditions outlined below.
Unrestricted burning period (burning is allowed on any day, at any time) 1 May - 18 September**	Allowed	Allowed	Allowed There are no fire restrictions on burning, however, if a Total Fire Ban is in effect then no burning is permitted. It is your legal responsibility to check prior to undertaking any burn. Health legislation also applies.

*6pm - 11pm time restriction applies only during the restricted burning period. Burning garden refuse can be suspended at any time by an authorised Fire Control Officer. You may burn at any time during the unrestricted burning period. See below for further conditions.

**Subject to seasonal changes. Please check with the Shire on 9890 2500.

Prohibited and Restricted Burning Periods are declared by the Authority under Sections 17 and 18 respectively of the Bush Fires Act 1954.

For further information contact your local Fire Control Officer or the Shire on 9890 2500.

When can I use my BBQ?

Electric BBQs

Any time of the year, including during a Total Fire Ban.

Gas BBQs

Any time 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 firepits

Campfires and firepits are NOT permitted at any time during the PROHIBITED Burning Period or at any other time where the fire danger rating is HIGH or above.

Campfires and firepits cannot be lit before 6pm, no more fuel can be added after 11pm, must be fully extinguished by midnight, must not be left unattended, must have an available method of extinguishment with you while burning and may not be lit on public land, unless purpose built campfire pits have been provided by the owner of the land and permission to use them has been given.

Wood/solid fuel BBQs and pizza ovens

The use of wood/solid fuel BBQs and pizza ovens is permitted except for on days where the fire danger rating is HIGH or above.

The use of any wood/solid fuel BBQ or pizza oven is prohibited during a TOTAL FIRE BAN.

Burning of Garden Waste

NOTE: Burning on any day with a Fire Danger Rating of High or above is not permitted, and holds a penalty of $3,000.

During the restricted period

• You can only burn one pile of garden waste at a time, otherwise you will require a permit from your local Fire Control Officer.
• Each pile must not be bigger than 1 cubic metre. 
• Clear 3 metres around the edge of your pile and ensure it is well clear of trees, power lines, fences and buildings.
• The burn can only be lit after 6pm. You can add waste to your burn up until 11pm (it can’t exceed 1 cubic metre at any time). The burn needs to be completely out before midnight.
• Be a good neighbour - let the people living near you know 48-72 hours before you burn.
• Only burn dry garden waste from your land, no building materials, household goods, plastic, pallets or cardboard. Don’t use any type of accelerant.
• Stay and attend to your burn until it is extinguished. Ensure you have an adequate water supply and suitable tools handy (rakes and shovels) to control any possible spot fires.

During the unrestricted period

• You can burn at any time of the day.
• You don’t need a permit.

At all times you need to:

• Consider the impact of smoke on others.
• Keep the burn contained and controlled. If your burn escapes, you are responsible for any damage caused and costs incurred.
• Make sure the burn is fully extinguished once it’s complete.

Resources

DFES Burn SMART Guide 2021

A planned burning guide for small landholders.