Fire and Other Emergencies

Burning off on private land

The following information about burning off on private land is affected by whether or not it is the Fire Season.

The Fire Season coincides with the introduction of the Fire Danger Period or the Prohibited Period. These are announced in the local paper.

Burning during the Fire Season Fire Danger Period The Fire Danger Period is declared by CFA when the risk of bushfires is high due to hot weather and dry vegetation. The start and end of the period will vary across Victoria. During this period you must apply for a permit at your local municipal office if you wish to burn any rubbish or vegetation. Your municipality may have other burning restrictions - find out before lighting up. It is illegal to light or leave alight any fire on a day of Total Fire Ban! Prohibited Period The Prohibited Period is declared by the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE). This period only applies to any land within 1.5 kilometres of a park, forest or public land in either Gippsland, North East or far South West Victoria. If you live within these areas, a DSE permit may be required. Check at your local DSE office. It is illegal to Burn Off on any Public Land! Burning outside the Fire Season Even when a permit is not required, the following steps must be followed Fire breaks Clear at least 3 metres around the area to be burned to stop fires spreading. Notification Notify all neighbours at least 2 hours prior to burning, including DSE, to avoid confusion from visible smoke. Weather Before burning check weather conditions for the next 48 hours. Only burn if forecasts indicate low temperatures and weak breezes. Windy conditions increase the chance of fire spreading. Supervision Most fires escape when no one is present as fuels can smoulder without being obvious. Supervise your burn off. Be prepared Accidents do occur. Have firefighting equipment and a good water supply nearby. See Burning Off Regulations - Frequently asked questions for further information. Remember, if it’s cool to touch, then it’s safe to leave ..... and your burn can’t go bush! Fire prevention on public land The DSE conducts fire prevention work in National and State Parks, State Forests and other protected public land. Fire prevention works include construction and maintenance of fire breaks and, reducing fuel loads (eg. leaves, bark, shrubs) by burning. This reduces the intensity, speed and spread of any fire. Fuel management burns are planned and carried out in accordance with Fire Management Plans. Your local DSE Fire Management Officer can provide advice on safe burning off practices. Who said the bush needs a good burn? Don’t let your burn escape into the bush. It could turn your burn into bad news for you, your family and your neighbours. You may even be liable to meet the cost of extinguishing any "escape" fire into public land. If you think that the bush needs a good burn speak to a DSE officer. Help prevent bushfires any fire that you see in a State Forest or National Park anyone acting suspiciously near a fire. An early alert results in a quick response.