Burning periods and fire danger ratings

Current burning period

The Restricted Burning Period (Autumn) for the Shire of Augusta Margaret River came to an end at Midnight on Monday 12 May 2025.

This means that a Permit to Burn is no longer required prior to lighting any fire in the open air.

Please always take care when lighting a fire during the unrestricted period.

• Check the weather forecast and avoid windy days.
• Check the current Fire Danger Rating on the Emergency WA website or app (no burning allowed on days where the FDR is HIGH or above).
• Make a courtesy call to your area Fire Control Officer (FCO) before lighting up.

Residents and landowners are urged to take the opportunity during these cooler months to develop or review their bushfire plans, along with maintaining fuel loads on their properties.

Find out more through the following links:

• Prepare for a Bushfire
• Firepits, BBQs and Pizza Ovens
• Burning of Garden Refuse
• Firebreak Notice Requirements and Bushfire Information 2024-25

Annual burning periods 

The following are guidelines only, refer to Current Burning Period for up to date information.  

Prohibited Burning period from 23 December to 14 March (unless stated otherwise). Burning is NOT allowed.

Restricted Burning periods:

• 9 November - 22 December (Spring/Summer period).
• 15 March - 12 May (Autumn period).

A Permit to Burn is required during the Restricted Burning periods.

Please note: The above dates are subject to change at short notice due to variable weather conditions. Please monitor the Shire’s website and social media for updates and always call your area Fire Control Officer (FCO) or the Shire Rangers to check prior to lighting up. 

Fire danger ratings and bushfire warning system

The Fire Danger Rating tells you how dangerous a fire would be if one started.

Ratings are forecast based on weather and other environmental conditions such as fuel load.

The ratings are:

• Moderate
• High
• Extreme
• Catastrophic

To view current Fire Danger Ratings visit the Emergency WA website.

Find out about the Australian Bushfire Warning System and how to prepare a bushfire plan.

More information and contact

For more information, please contact the Shire on (08) 9780 5255 or email [email protected]