When can I burn?

The Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale has an abundance of native vegetation which makes many areas bush fire prone.  Therefore there is the 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 Prohibited Burning Period is now in effect, on advice from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services. For more information click here.

Please note: The Prohibited Burning Period for 2024 has been extended and will now end on 12 May.

	1m by 1m garden refuse, 6pm to 11pm*	Wood and solid fuel barbecue	Grass, paddock, bonfire, bush
Restricted Burning Period 1 October to 9 November**	Allowed In accordance with conditions outlined below.	Allowed In accordance with conditions outlined below.	Permit Required Contact your local Fire Control Officer
Prohibited Burning Period 10 November to midnight 12 May**	Prohibited	Allowed In accordance with conditions outlined below.	Prohibited
Restricted Burning Period 13 May to 31 May**	Allowed In accordance with conditions outlined below.	Allowed In accordance with conditions outlined below.	Permit Required Contact your local Fire Control Officer
Unrestricted Burning Period 1 June - 30 September **	Allowed  There are no fire restrictions on burning, however if the Fire Danger Rating is High or above and/or a Total Fire Ban is in effect then no burning is permitted. It is your legal responsibility to check the Fire Danger Rating prior to undertaking any burn. Health legislation also applies.	Allowed	Allowed

*6pm - 11pm time restriction applies only during the restricted burning period. You may burn at any time during the unrestricted burning period. 

**Subject to seasonal changes. Please check with the Shire on 9526 1111.

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

For further information contact your local Fire Control Officer or contact the Shire on 9526 1111.

When can I use my BBQ?

Electric BBQs

Anytime of the year, including during a Total Fire Ban.

Gas BBQs0

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 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’t burn on Sundays and Public Holidays.
• 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 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 on Sundays and Public Holidays.
• 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.
• Make sure the burn is fully extinguished once it’s complete.

Resources

DFES Burn SMART Guide 2021

A planned burning guide for small landholders.