Glen Forrest Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade

The information contained on this page relates to the rules and responsibilities of hazard reduction burns on private property within the Mundaring Shire. Persons planning to conduct burns, be it a small pile of garden refuse to a large block of scrub, need to comply with a range of regulations from different government departments.
This page has been constructed as a means of outlining the different burning periods during the year, what type of burning can be conducted, and the legislative requirements of conducting a burn.

Due to the different regulations, the issue of prescribed burning can be somewhat complexing. If you are at any time unsure about when or what you can burn, please feel free to contact the Brigade, or ring the Fire Weather Hotline on 9290 6644

Calendar of Burning Periods

Key

Prohibited Burning Period

Restricted Burning Period

Permitted Burning Period

January	February	March
April	May	June
July	August	September
October	November	December

Burning Periods

Prohibited Burning Dates (No Permits Issued)

No burning off of ANY sort can be conducted at anytime during the Prohibited Burning Period (1st December - 31st March inclusive).

This includes the burning of garden waste, as well as the burning of grass and/or bush for hazard reduction. There are no exceptions to this by-law, and failure to comply will result in fines.

Restricted Burning Dates (Permits Issued)

Permits are required during: Restricted Burning Period 1 (1st April - 31st May inclusive); AND the Restricted Burning Period 2 (1st October - 30th November inclusive) for:

Garden Refuse -- for burning before 6:00pm. No permits are required for burns after 6:00pm

Hazard Reduction -- for all types of hazard reduction, at all times of day and night

Permitted Burning Dates (Permits not needed)

No burning restrictions apply, and hence no permits are needed between the dates of 1st June and 30th September

Conditions of Burning

Upon recieving a permit, you will also be issued with burning conditions in which to operate within. If burning during times which do not require a permit (eg. after 6:00pm during the Restrictive Buring Period), you are still bound by the following burning conditions:

Burning commences between the hours of 6:00 pm and 11:00 pm.
The pile of refuse does not exceed 1 cubic metre
An area 5 metres wide is cleared around the pile (Lawn, driveways, paths etc. may be considered as cleared area)
The fire is only lit between 6:00 pm and 11:00 pm
Only 1 pile is alight at one time
The fire is completely extinguished by midnight
At least 1 person is in attendance at all times

There is a means of extinguishing the fire available at all times (e.g. garden hose, knapsack spray or fire unit)
You notify your neighbours of your intention to burn
The smoke from your fire does not cause a 'nuisance'
Do not burn plastics, other household or commercial waste
No prescribed burning can be undertaken when the fire Danger is either Very High or Extreme, even if you have already obtained a permit to burn on that day

Types of Fire & When it Can Be Used

BBQ'S, Wood Stoves, Webbers, etc...

Solid fuel barbeques (includes split roasts, hungis, webbers, wood fired BBQ, etc) may be lit all year round, except where the Fire Danger Rating is Very High or Extreme.
Gas barbeques however may be lit all year round without restriction.

Angle Grinders & Welders

Welding and angle grinders may be used in the open air all year round, as long as:
a) at least one (1) fire extinguisher is provided on the work site; AND
b) the work site is bound by a fire break at least five (5) metres wide.

Bee Smoking Devices (used to 'smoke out' hives)

Bee smoking devices may be used without restriction or conditions during the Permitted Burning Period, and when the Fire Danger Rating for that day is Low, Moderate, or High.
During the Restricted and Prohibited Burning Period, and days when the Fire Danger Rating is Very High or Extreme, the bee keeper however must:
a) provide at least one (1) fire extinguisher at the operating scene; AND
b) wet and/or clear all flammable material within a 3 metre radius of the operating area.

Garden Refuse

Burning permits are required to burn garden refuse before 6:00pm while in the Restricted Burning Period

Garden Refuse may be burnt without a permit:

after 6:00pm during the Restricted Burning Period

anytime during the Permitted Burning Period

Fire to clear blocks for development

Under the Mundaring Shire bylaws, it is illegal to use fire as a means to clear vegetation from land for the purposes of development. Any such regulations will be outlined within your building permit, and includes burning stumps of logs that have accumulated as a result of land clearing.

Obtaining a Burning Permit

Burning permits are available free of charge from the Fire Station on Saturday mornings, strictly between 9:30-10am ONLY.

This is due to the fact that only designated Permit Officers may issue permits, so although there may be fire fighters at the station outside these times, they are not authorised to sign the permit documentation.

If you would prefer, the Brigade can carry out your requested burning for a small fundraising fee. Controlled burns are subject to safety conditions and must be authorised by the serving FCO (Fire Control Officer). For inquires, you must apply in person to the Fire Station early on Saturday morning, during the onset of either the Restricted or Permitted burning periods.

Pre-Burn Check List

Three sets of important information you must know before conducting a burn:

What Burning Period am in? Is burning allowed? If so, do I need a permit?
What is the Fire Danger Rating for the day? Am I still able to burn?
Am I able to satisfy the conditional criteria of a burn?

Publications

Shire Booklet

Fire and Burning Information Booklet, delivered to all Mundaring Shire Households before Spring each year. If you require an additional copy please feel free to contact the brigade

FESA Pamphlet - 'Managing Smoke From Prescribed Burning'

Click here to link to FESA website