Fire Danger Period ending
The 2023/2024 Fire Danger Period ended on Monday 15 April 2024.
You can now apply for a Permit to Burn.
Permit to Burn
A Permit to Burn helps you burn off in a way that is safe and responsible. It reduces fire hazard and prepares your property before the Fire Danger Period.
If you own, rent, or live in a property in the Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO) you may be eligible for a Permit to Burn. The BMO is a planning control applied to land at risk from bushfires.
Outside of the BMO, there is a permit fee of $76 (non-refundable if the permit is refused).
Even with a Permit to Burn, you cannot burn off:
- on Total Fire Ban days
- during the Fire Danger Period
- in June or July.
We aim to acknowledge permit to burn applications and provide you with information on next steps within 3 business days.
Any applications for Permit to Burn received in the months of June and July 2024 will not be approved or processed. Any applications received will be placed on hold for processing from 1 August 2024.
Before you apply
Permits will expire on the declaration of the Fire Danger Period.
Be aware that:
- You cannot burn off during the Fire Danger Period.
- You must register any burning off before it occurs. Register with Fire Permits Victoria.
- We provide further conditions on approval of your permit. You must follow these.
- You must read and be aware of all permit conditions.
Prepare for burning off
Council’s Municipal Fire Prevention Officers may inspect your property to make sure the burn off will be safe.
You will need to have:
- your burn piles in a cleared location
- everything ready for inspection
- an ample water supply.
Burn offs without a valid permit may receive a fine. An infringement notice for burning off without a permit is $500.
When you can burn off
There is a ban on all open-air fires during Total Fire Ban days.
Burning off is not permitted during the Fire Danger Period.
We suspend permits for the duration of any Total Fire Ban days and during the Fire Danger Period.
You must also:
- have a valid Permit to Burn
- follow the permit conditions
- notify your neighbours at least two hours beforehand
- have a 3-metre clear area around the fire
- attend the fire at all times
- have means to put out the fire
- make sure the fire is completely out before leaving.
Burning off alternatives
Make sure you have disposed of what you can through other channels before considering burning off. This reduces fire fuel.
You could:
- use your green bin
- use your hard and bundled green waste collection
- compost or mulch dead leaves, small branches and sticks
- take items to the Knox Transfer and Recycling Station.
Using fire for cooking or warmth
You do not need a Permit to Burn to use a barbeque to cook food for human consumption. You can also use a brazier, chiminea or small receptacle built for containing fire for the purposes of heating.
You must ensure that there is no nuisance caused by the emission of:
- smoke
- soot
- ash
- odours.
Incinerators
An owner or occupier of land must not construct, erect, install, use or permit to be used an incinerator on any land.
Need help?
Contact us and we will get back to you.
Or call our Local Laws team on 9298 8000.
