Burning off grass, stubble, weeds, undergrowth or other vegetation is generally permitted outside the Fire Danger Period. Local laws on burn-offs can apply year-round. Check with your local council before lighting up.
Before burning off:
- Check and follow local regulations or laws set down by CFA or your local council
- Notify neighbours at least two hours before starting the burn
- Notify the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA) on 1800 668 511
- Check the weather forecast for the day of the burn and a few days afterwards
- Check the fuel moisture conditions
- Establish a fire break of no less than three metres cleared of all flammable material
- Make sure there are enough people to monitor, contain and extinguish the burn safely and effectively.
Register your burn-off
All burn-offs should be registered with ESTA on 1800 668 511.
Please provide the following information about your burn-off when registering:
- Location
- Date and expected start and finish times
- Estimated size
- What you intend to burn
Unregistered burn-offs can cause brigades to be called out unnecessarily.
You can also download the Burn off Notification Form (DOC 127k) and email: burnoffs@esta.vic.gov.au or fax: 1300 674 428.
Some information that you provide may be displayed on the Vic Emergency website. This may include the street name and area where the planned burn you are registering will take place. This information may be shared on the Vic Emergency website at the time of ignition, as well as the VicEmergency app and internal incident management systems.
Permits
(See Fire Permits section on the main CFA website for full details and application forms)
Burning off during the Fire Danger Period – Schedule 13 Permits
Burning off grass, stubble, weeds, undergrowth or other vegetation during the Fire Danger Period is permitted under the following conditions:
- You have a written permit issued by a Fire Prevention Officer of a public authority, the Municipal Fire Prevention Officer or by the CFA District office
- You comply with the conditions of that permit
- A person is in attendance at all times while the fire is alight and has the capacity and means to extinguish the fire
- The fire is completely extinguished before the person leaves.
Many councils ban burning off on certain days, within certain locations or at certain times within their municipalities. Check with the Municipal Fire Prevention Officer.
Burning for other purposes – Schedule 14 permits
Schedule 14 permits are for purposes not covered by Schedule 13 during the Fire Danger Period. For example, burning deceased stock or operating machinery.
CFA regional offices usually issue Schedule 14 permits but check with your local council first – arrangements are different in each area.
Incinerators
Before burning rubbish at any time of the year, check that there are no council requirements or restrictions. Some local councils don’t allow incinerators at all.
Recycling or disposal at a registered landfill are alternatives to using incinerators.
Using incinerators during the Fire Danger Period
You don’t need a permit, provided:
- You check with council about any local laws that might prescribe conditions or restrict or prohibit incinerator use (eg. bans on certain days, within certain areas, or at certain times)
And the following requirements are met:
- The fire is effectively restricted within the incinerator
- The wind is not more than 10 kph (this can be observed when twigs and leaves are in constant motion)
- The ground and air space within 3 metres from the outer perimeter of the incinerator are clear of flammable material
- A supply of water adequate to extinguish the fire is available at all times when the fire is burning
- A person is in attendance at all times while the fire is alight and has the capacity and means to extinguish the fire
- The fire is completely extinguished before the person leaves.
Resources
Planned burns map – Department of Environment and Primary Industries
Burn off notification form (DOC 299k)