During Fire Danger Season, a permit is generally required for any fire in the open unless it is an approved comfort fire.

Council will not issue permits for large piles of green waste, bonfires or vegetation burning during Fire Danger Season except in exceptional or emergency circumstances.

Comfort Fires During Fire Danger Season

A permit is not generally required for approved comfort fires that comply with the relevant CFS Code of Practice.

Examples may include:

• Cooking fires and barbecues.
• Braziers, chimineas and fire pits used in accordance with CFS requirements.
• Approved campfires.

Learn more about Comfort Fires on the CFS Code of Practice webpage

CFS ‘What I can do and What I can’t do?’

Burning Off Permits for Grass and Stubble

Council may issue permits under the Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005 for the burning of standing grass and stubble.

No grass or stubble burning can occur without a valid permit.

Smoke from burn-offs can reduce visibility and create hazardous driving conditions. Any unattended fire should be reported immediately by calling 000.

Types of Permits

• Schedule 9 Permit - may be issued for fires or activities on days during the Fire Danger Season that are not Total Fire Ban days.

• Schedule 10 Permit - may be issued for fires or activities on days that are Total Fire Bans - these are intended for emergency use only.

Pre-registration Required

Before a permit can be issued, landholders must pre-register their property by contacting Council's Fire Prevention Officers on 08 8733 0900.

Once registered, permit holders need only contact Council on the day of burning to activate their permit and provide:

• Permit number
• Area to be burnt
• Property address or grid reference
• Location of the burn
• Proposed start time

Conditions for Burning off with a Permit

In addition to any conditions listed on the permit, the following requirements apply:

• Council must be notified of the planned burn by 10:30am on the day of burning, or by 3:00pm Friday for burns planned on a Saturday.
• Burns should be planned to minimise smoke impacts on vineyards and neighbouring properties.
• A minimum of 2,000 litres of water must be available across at least two vehicles.
• At least four able-bodied people capable of controlling the fire must be present throughout the burn.
• An 8-metre firebreak must be maintained around the burn area.
• Burning is not permitted on Sundays, Public Holidays, Easter Weekend, Total Fire Ban days or when conditions are unsafe.
• Fires must not be lit before 12 noon and must be fully extinguished before 12 midnight on the same day.
• Only grass and stubble may be burnt.
• Burning timber is not permitted.

Council Fire Prevention Officers  conduct random inspections. Breaches of permit conditions may result in expiation notices, fines or prosecution.

Burning within Townships

Burning within township areas is regulated under the Environment Protection (Air Quality) Policy 2016.

If you live within a township, you may only use fire for:

• Preparing food or beverages
• Other approved purposes authorised by Council
• Outdoor heating using a charcoal-fuelled brazier, chiminea or fire pit
• Fire prevention or vegetation management with Council approval
• Disposal of agricultural or forestry waste with Council approval

View your township see Township Boundaries of Wattle Range

Burning Outside of Townships

If you live outside a township, you may:

• Use a fire to prepare food or beverages
• Burn vegetation for bushfire hazard reduction in accordance with relevant CFS Codes of Practice (permit required)
• Use a brazier, chiminea or fire pit for outdoor heating
• Have a campfire
• Burn agricultural or forestry waste in accordance with relevant CFS Codes of Practice (permit required)

Prohibited Materials

The following materials must not be burnt:

• Tyres
• Other offensive or hazardous materials
• Mattresses
• Furniture
• Plastics
• Chemicals
• Aerosols
• Treated timber, including Copper Chrome Arsenate (CCA) treated timber

Burning prohibited materials may result in on-the-spot fines.

Useful Resources

• Letter to Permit Holders - Smoke Taint Information (PDF 245.5 KB)
• Stubble Burning and Smoke Taint Information
• Broad Acre Burning Code of Practice
• Private Farm Fire Unit Handbook
• Native Vegetation and Fire Management Information

Not Sure if You Need a Permit?

If you are unsure whether you can burn or whether a permit is required, contact Wattle Range Council before lighting any fire. This can help avoid breaches of legislation and reduce risks to neighbouring properties, vineyards and the wider community.