When can I burn?

To ensure community safety and comply with the Bush Fires Act 1954 and associated regulations, the following burning periods apply.

The Unrestricted Burning Period is currently in effect.

Pile Burn

Garden refuse can be burned on the ground if;

• There is no flammable material (other than that being burned) within five metres of the fire at any time while the fire is burning, this includes being clear of trees, powerlines, fences and buildings
• The fire is lit between 6pm and 11pm and is completely extinguished before midnight on the same day
• At least one person is present at the site of the fire at all times until it is completely extinguished, and;
• When the fire is no longer required, the person ensures that the fire is completely extinguished by the application of water or earth
• Only one pile of garden refuse can be burnt at a time and must not be bigger than 1 cubic meter at any time.

The same rules apply for campfires and fire pits.

Applying for a permit

To apply for a Permit, you will need to contact your local Fire Control Officer at least one week before you plan to burn. When you apply for a permit, please ensure you have the following ready;

• Your address
• The planned size of your burn
• Your firebreaks are maintained, and the burn area is trafficable
• Your firefighting equipment and resources are in good working order
• Have the contacts for the 3 able bodied persons who will be in attendance at the burn
• Remove any materials that are not vegetation or garden refuse such as plastics, treated timber, tyres or any other flammable material.

When a person has applied to a Bush Fire Control Officer for a permit to burn and that officer has refused a permit or granted a permit which is subject to special conditions, the person shall not apply to another Bush Fire Control Officer for a permit to burn in relation to the same bush but they may apply to the chief bush fire control officer.

Appeals can be lodged by emailing info@sjshire.wa.gov.au.

Fire Control Officers

Locality	Fire Control Officer
Byford, Darling Downs, Karrakup and Cardup (east of Hopkinson Road)	Martin Williams: 0410 479 441
Oakford, Oldbury (north of the rail line) and Cardup (west of Hopkinson Rd)	Paul Williamson: 0439 994 803 Ross Cooper: 0431 991 003
Mundijong, Whitby, Mardella (north of Lowlands Rd and Oldbury, south of the rail line)	Steve Chadwick: 0419 983 838
Jarrahdale	Belinda Briscoe: 0418 644 183
Serpentine (west of the rail line) Hopeland (north of Utley Road and Wigg Rd)	Ray Elliott: 0409 106 610
Serpentine (east of rail line)	Don Downey: 0400 252 352
Keysbrook (east of Wescott Road)	Scott Hambley: 0417 173 410
Keysbrook and Hopeland (west of Wescott Rd and South of Utley Rd)	Ken Elliott: 0419 860 010

Responsibilities of the Permit Holder

The Permit holder must;

• Adhere to the conditions set out on the permit
• Notify the local Fire Control Officer
• Notify your neighbour 4 days before (but not more than 28 days), verbally or written
• Notify the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (if your burn is within 3km of State Forrest or regional/national Park on (08) 9219 9000
• Register the burn with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services Communications Centre on 9395 9209
• Must have 3 able bodied persons in attendance at all times
• Monitor your burn to keep smoke from impacting your neighbours or causing a traffic hazard
• Call 000 if the burn escapes or becomes out of control
• Extinguish the burn if in the opinion of a Fire Control Officer the burn is unsafe or out of control
• If your burn escapes, you must report the incident to us within seven (7) days, including how it escaped, any losses and the equipment used to suppress the fire
• You may be held responsible for any damage caused to others
• Produce your permit when asked to do so

Additional resources:

• Neighbour notification – Intention to conduct controlled burning
  The Shire has developed a form to help you notify neighbours of your intention to burn.
• Smoke Management – Information Note
  A guide on planning and managing smoke to reduce health and visibility impacts.

Note: Ensure you have insurance to cover yourself, your land, and public liability before conducting a burn.

Burning restrictions

The permit holder must not:

• Burn on a day when the Fire Danger Rating is High, Extreme, or Catastrophic

• Burn on a Sunday or Public Holiday

• Use any kind of accelerant

If you are a contractor

If you're a contractor being paid to undertake the burn on behalf of the landowner or occupier, you must have:

• Written permission from the landowner

• An approved permit from the local Fire Control Officer

• A prescribed fire plan with burn details

• A site plan, traffic plan, and smoke management plan

• Appropriate insurance coverage

Environmental & Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Considerations

Some areas contain sensitive environmental or cultural values, such as:

• Threatened ecological communities

• Environmentally sensitive areas

• Bush Forever sites

• Land protected under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 and Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016

• Sites with specific development or subdivision approval conditions

If you’re unsure whether your property is affected, contact the Shire on 9526 1111.

Tip: Burning can promote weed growth. We recommend follow-up weed control to maintain reduced fuel levels. Contact Landcare SJ on 9526 0012 for support.

Fire Weather Districts

When planning a burn and before lighting up you need to check the Fire Danger Rating for your area. You are not permitted to burn when the Fire Danger Rating is High or above, you can check the fire Danger Rating by visiting the Emergency WA Website.

• If you live East of the South Western Highway – Swan Inland South
• If you live West of the South Western Highway – Swan Coastal South

Verge burning

To burn on a Council road reserve, you must obtain:

• Written approval from the Shire, and
• A permit from a Fire Control Officer.

Submit your application by completing the Shire Verge Burning Form and emailing it to info@sjshire.wa.gov.au.

Application for Shire Verge Burning Form

Fines and Penalties

Non-compliance with burning regulations may result in fines or prosecution under the Bush Fires Act 1954. Always follow the conditions of your permit and ensure you are aware of restrictions before lighting up.

What about my BBQ?

Electric or Gas BBQs

• Can be used all year round, including during a Total Fire Ban.

• During a Prohibited Burning Period, no flammable material is allowed within 5 metres of the BBQ.

Wood-Fired BBQs and Pizza Ovens

• Can only be used for cooking purposes during Prohibited and Restricted Burning Periods when the Fire Danger Rating is Moderate or below.

• Exemptions for businesses apply.

• If required, individuals or businesses can seek an exemption through the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES). Further information can be found on the DFES website.

Resources

DFES Burn Smart Guide