Fire restrictions and permits
Restricted and Prohibited Burning Periods
The Restricted Burning Period runs in in two parts: the first from October 1 to October 31 annually, and the second part from March 9 to April 30 annually. During the Restricted Burning Period, a permit (see 'Permits' below) is required from the Shire before any burning operations can be carried out, including the burning of rubbish and garden refuse.
The Prohibited Burning Period runs from November 1 to March 8 annually. No burning is allowed for any reason during this period, including open cooking, campfires, or the burning of rubbish and garden refuse.
Residents should note that the Restricted and Prohibited Burning Periods may be extended due to unseasonal weather conditions. Any extensions will be advertised on our website and social media, in local newspapers, and through the Shire’s Harvest, Vehicle Movement & Hot Works Ban SMS notification service.
If in doubt about the status of the current burning period or the restrictions/requirements that apply, please contact us.
Operating plant and machinery has additional requirements under the Bush Fires Act 1954 during the Restricted and Prohibited Burning Periods. Visit our Plant and Machinery Requirements page for more information.
Failing to comply with Restricted and Prohibited Burning Period conditions can result in fines or prosecution.
Permits
During the Restricted Burning Period, a permit must be obtained from the Shire prior to any burning activity commencing. Permits will only be issued for legitimate mitigation outcomes, or for primary producer requirements. Permits will not be issued for social occasions, burning of rubbish, or for burning which can be reasonably deferred or avoided.
Considering applying for a permit? Please ensure that you have read and understand all of the information on this page before proceeding, as it will assist with the completion of your application form.
If granted, all conditions on a permit must be strictly adhered to. Failing to obtain a permit or breaching permit conditions can result in fines or prosecution under the Bush Fires Act 1954.
During the second (Autumn) portion of the Restricted Burning Period, permit preference will be given to primary producers for crop preparation purposes.
Permits will have a maximum 7-day duration, with an exception for bonafide, broad acre stubble-burning crop preparation operations. Permits for these activities may be applied for a maximum duration of 28 days.
All permits are automatically void on:
- Sundays
- Public holidays (including Easter Saturday)
- Days of High, Extreme or Catastrophic fire danger, as forecast by the Bureau of Meteorology for the Swan Inland North district
- Total Fire Ban or Harvest, Vehicle Movement & Hot Works Ban periods
- Days when a Bush Fires Act Section 46 declaration has been made
Permits require you to notify adjoining landholders/occupiers (usually between 4 and 28 days before burning). You must also notify DFES to ensure the burn is correctly displayed on the Emergency WA website, prior to and for the duration of burning. Burning within 3km of Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) land requires additional notification to DBCA. Other permit conditions will include, but are not limited to, minimum firefighting water and equipment and minimum personnel for supervision until fully extinguished.
To apply for a permit, please compete the Online Application Form. To complete this form, you will be required to supply the following details:
- Correct answers to five questions which indicate your understanding of permit responsibilities
- Your full name
- Your residential address (PO boxes will not be accepted)
- Location (current RSN address and/or lot and plan) of the burn – find my address or parcel details (external site)
- Phone number(s)
- UHF channel (if available)
- Type of burn (i.e. stubble, grass, bush)
- Preferred permit commencement date
In line with the Bush Fire Regulations 15B(2), a minimum of four days notice must be provided to the Shire. We will endeavour to respond to permit requests within this notification period. Permits issued with a commencement date sooner than the minimum notification period will be at the sole discretion of the Shire.
To assist with processing your request, please provide the full and current details (i.e. lot and plan number) when providing parcel descriptions. Quoting superseded or incomplete parcel descriptions may delay your request because the Shire uses current Landgate data to verify locations. Landgate has a map viewer to assist the public in confirming addresses or lot details.
Burning road verges
It is illegal to set fire to a verge or let a fire burn onto a verge. In certain circumstances, a permit to burn the verge may be issued by delegated Shire officers under the Shire’s Thoroughfares and Trading in Thoroughfares and Public Places Local Law. Applications must demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the delegated officer, a bush fire risk hazard which:
- Cannot be reduced by any other method; or
- Would be beneficial to the conservation of flora or fauna.
A map or accurate sketch of the burn proposal is also a requirement of a permit application.
Applications for burning after August 31 or before May 1 in any given year cannot be considered by Shire Officers.
Applications should also address any risks to driver or worker safety through the submission of a suitable Traffic Management Plan when required. Plans must be in accordance with AS 1742.3 and the Main Roads Code of Practice. A Traffic Management Plan must be developed and implemented by qualified personnel and submitted to the Shire for approval.
Applications should be made in writing to the Shire addressing the above. Please do not use the online form link from the previous section on this page.