Fire Restriction FAQs
Fire Restrictions can be applied across most areas of Victoria
by CFA, when fire danger is high. Typically this is over
the summer period of November through to April. Restrictions
are applied in small areas at a time.
View a map of current
restrictions across Victorian municipalities
Important! A Total Fire Ban declaration means no fires can be lit for the declared district for that day – irrespective of the Fire Restriction status for a given municipality. See also: Can I Can’t I?
Below are some frequently asked questions about Fire Restrictions imposed during and outside the declared Fire Danger Period.
Lighting fires during the Fire Danger Period?
Extreme caution is necessary throughout the Fire Danger
Period because dry vegetation and hot weather increase the
risk of fires accidentally igniting and spreading.
Types of restrictions for fires in the open air throughout
the Fire Danger Period
A general prohibition applies to the lighting of fires
except when:
- A permit has been issued. Find out more about permits...
- The fire is lit for cooking or warmth, subject to certain
conditions
- Burning refuse in an incinerator
- Welding, cutting or grinding subject to conditions
- Fire is used for other industrial purposes subject to
conditions
See also Can I or Can't I? which explains the differences between Fire Restrictions and Total Fire Bans in everyday situations.
Note: Local municipalities may
also place restrictions on lighting fires.
Lighting fires outside the declared Fire Danger Period?
Although CFA places no restrictions on the lighting of fires
in the open air during this time, lighting of fires may be
fully or partly restricted under legislation and bylaws administered
by municipalities and Department
of Sustainability and Environment. Contact
them for details.
How do I notify emergency services of a burnoff?
To ensure that the fire services are aware of your burnoff, please give the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA) prior notification. You can do this by completing the Burnoff Notification Form - doc 132k and forwarding the details via email: burnoffs@esta.vic.gov.au or fax: 1300 674 428.
Alternatively you can phone 1800 668 511 to relay required information.
How do I obtain a permit for activity during the Fire Danger
Period?
Permits to burn during the Fire Danger Period under the
CFA Act are generally issued by local municipalities and
may be subject to additional requirements imposed by that
municipality. These permits generally apply to the burning
of grass, scrub and other vegetation for essential agricultural
and industrial purposes.
Permits for lighting fires for other purposes, for example
industrial burning, cutting etc, must be obtained from CFA. Find
out more about permits...
Note: Permits issued by a muncipality are NOT VALID on a day of Total Fire Ban.
