Burning of Materials

Can I light a fire?

Before lighting a fire in the open air individuals must obtain a 'Permit to Burn' from Council. Permits to burn contain set conditions which must be adhered to.

When do I need a Permit?

Outside the fire danger period any person wishing to burn any materials on land which is not zoned as a rural living zone or farm zone must obtain a permit to burn under Council's General Local Law 2012.  During this time land zoned as rural or farmland is exempt from permit requirements.

The Summary Offences Act 1966 applies when burning outside the fire danger period. Click here for more information.

Is there a charge for a permits issue?

A $30.00 application fee normally applies and an inspection may be required in certain circumstances. For an application form Click here >>>

Enquiries: Northern Grampians Shire Council on: 5358 8700.

For further information, check CFA Fire Restrictions in Victoria.

Burning Restrictions

During the declared fire danger period any person without exception must apply for a permit to burn from the Municipal Fire Prevention Officer.

During days of total fire ban no person is permitted to light a fire in the open air and severe penalties including prosecution apply for doing so.

Burning in the municipality without a permit fee.

Under Councils General local Law 2012 an owner or occupier of land in the municipality during a period declared by the Council Municipal Fire Prevention Officer (MFPO) to be a period where fuel reduction burns may be conducted without permit in nominated areas of the municipality:

The MFPO has declared that fuel reduction burns may be conducted in all areas of the municipality between 13 Obtober and 28 October 2012. Unless your property is in Halls Gap you must notify Council of your intention to burn off, and of your intended dates and times of burning, by completing and 'Application to burn in a residential area without a permit' form. This form is available on this website, and allows burn offs without payment of the normal fee of $30.00.

Prior to Burning

At least two(2) hours prior to lighting a fire, Notice of Intention to conduct a burning operation must be given to:

• the owner or occupier of land adjoining the property where the fire is intended,and;
• VICFIRE on: 1800 668 511.

Also;

• Adequate water supply must be on hand within the vicinity of the fire to extinguish the fire or any spot fires causaed. If on town water supply you must have adequate hoses to reach the fire area
• before commencing any burning a fire break must be prepared around the area of the fire, which is not less than three metres wide, and must be cleared of all flamable materials
• An adult must be present for the entire time that the fire is burning
• Should the CFA declare a fire ban day then no burning is permitted

What can I burn?

Only materials which are regarded as organic and dry should be burnt as it is unlawful for smoke to cause a nuisance or be detrimental to the health of another person or property.

Things which cannot be burnt include:

a) any household waste;
b) any manufactured chemicals;
c) any rubber or plastic;
d) any petroleum, oil or derivative thereof;
e) any paint or receptacle which contains or which contained paint;
f) food waste,offensive or noxious matter;
g) offensive or noxious matter;