Open Air Burning

How do I get a permit to burn?
You will need to complete the following form.

There may be circumstances whereby Council will issue a permit to burn to landowners that cannot comply with the general open air burning regulations. Council gives due regard to the following when assessing permit applications:

• The size of the land
• That the land is in a designated bushfire risk area
• That the burn off is strictly for fire prevention purposes only
• The ability of the landowner to remove the vegetation via more appropriate methods
• The proximity to neighbouring assets and property
• The risk of smoke nuisance
• Properties zoned Residential, Township, Low Density Residential, Commercial 1 and Mixed Use are NOT permitted to burn without a permit at any time of the year.

Landowners who are unsure as to their eligibility should contact the Council's Customer Service Officers on 5662 9200 before submitting a permit to burn application.

What are the general fire safety provisions when I am burning off?
Council asks all residents undertaking open air burning to do so in accordance with the following:

• Give notice to adjoining landowners/occupiers at least 24 hours prior to the burn
• Give notice to ESTA (Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority) 2 hours prior to the burn by calling 1800 668 511 (Prevents unnecessary response from fire brigades)
• Establish a fire break of no less than 3 metres cleared of all flammable material
• Ensure the fire is supervised by an adult at all times
• Ensure there is sufficient fire protection/suppression equipment available on site at all times
• Ensure the vegetation to be burnt is dead and dry prior to lighting (no green waste)
• Ensure at the site of the fire, the wind speed does not exceed 20 kilometres per hour (11 knots)
• Notify the Victorian Bushfire Line of your burn on 1800 240 667