Find out if you need a Permit to Burn and how to obtain one.
Current burning period
The Restricted Burning Period (Autumn) for the Shire of Augusta Margaret River concluded at midnight on Friday 12 May 2023.
This means that from 13 May 2023 a Permit to Burn is no longer required prior to lighting any fire in open air.
Please always take care when lighting a fire during the unrestricted period.
- Check the weather forecast and avoid windy days.
- Check the daily Australian Fire Danger Rating at the Emergency WA website.
- Make a courtesy call to your local Fire Control Officer (FCO) before lighting up.
Annual burning periods
Prohibited Burning period from 23 December to 14 March - 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.
Apply for a Permit to Burn
To apply for a Permit to Burn, please contact the Fire Control Officer for your area. Note, where the Fire Control Officer is unavailable, the Chief Bush Fire Control Officer or the Shire’s Rangers can also issue a Permit to Burn.
Important note: You will need to allow up to 72 hours for a Fire Control Officer to attend your property to assess your Permit to Burn application.
When applying for a Permit to Burn you will need to provide the following information:
- Size of your burn
- What you are burning
- Address of the burn
- Name and contact number of the Permit holder.
Prior to burning
You must register your Permit to Burn with:
- Shire of Augusta Margaret River
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA); and
- Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).
To register your Permit to Burn call the numbers on the Permit. Have your Permit handy, as the operator will need the Permit details. If an operator is unavailable and you need to leave a message, please ensure you state the Permit number, property details, Permit holder's name, phone number and time/date of the intention to burn.
You must also notify your adjoining landowners 24 hours in advance of your intention to burn.
Penalties for non-compliance
Failure to do any of the following may result in a modified penalty of $250 and up to $5,000 should legal action be undertaken:
- Obtain a Permit to Burn
- Comply with all Permit conditions
- Burn in contravention to any information provided in the Notice.
More information and contact
For more information, please contact the Shire on (08) 9780 5255 or email [email protected]