What you need to know about Total Fire Bans
A Total Fire Ban (TFB) is declared by DFES on days when fires are most likely to threaten lives and property. This is because of predicted extreme fire weather or when there are already widespread fires, and firefighting resources are stretched.
If a TFB is declared it applies to the whole area of our Shire and means it is illegal for anyone to light an open-air fire or conduct any activity that could start a fire. This includes:
- Lighting a campfire
- Burning leaves, garden waste or grass cuttings
- Using a BBQ that uses solid fuel
- Using an outdoor wood-fired pizza oven
- Using a firepit
- Using a grinder, welder or undertaking any other 'hot work'*
- Operating a hot air balloon
- Using an incinerator
Additionally, you cannot use any equipment powered by an internal combustion engine in areas with vegetation - that is, anywhere off sealed roads or paved surfaces. This includes:
- Chainsaws or lawnmowers
- Plant or grass trimmers
- Bobcats, excavators, bulldozers, or similar machines
- Cars, tractors, motorbikes, quad bikes, or dune buggies
- Generators
These restrictions help reduce the risk of fire in natural, grassy, or bush-covered areas.
Other things to know about a Total Fire Ban:
- TFBs affect everyone - pastoralists, farmers, mining, campers, construction workers, urban and rural residents.
- TFBs usually commence at midnight and last for 24 hours.
- TFB exemptions can be granted for some industries and activities. An exemption application form can be found on the DFES website under ‘How to get an exemption’.
- All Permits to Burn are suspended during a TFB.
- Should you have a Permit to Burn active prior to a TFB being issued, your fire must be extinguished prior to the commencement of the TFB.
- TFBs are declared within the whole local government boundary.
For information visit dfes.wa.gov.au/totalfirebans