Burning off

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.

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 VicFire 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 then three metres cleared of all flammable material
• Made sure there are enough people to monitor, contain and extinguish the burn safely and effectively.

Notifying VicFire of a burn-off

All burn offs should be registered with VicFire on 1800 668 511.

Unregistered burn offs can cause brigades to be called out unnecessarily.

You can also download the Burn off Notification Form - doc 132k and email: burnoffs@esta.vic.gov.au or fax: 1300 674 428.

Permits

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:

1. You have a written Schedule 13 permit (Contact the Municipal Fire Prevention Officer at your local council).
2. You comply with the conditions of that permit.
3. A person is in attendance at all times while the fire is alight.
4. If a Total Fire Ban is declared for the following day while a burn off is already in progress, the burn must be extinguished before midnight.

You still need to register your burn with VicFire.  

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
• The fire is effectively restricted within the incinerator
• The air movement is 10kph or less
• The area three metres around the incinerator is cleared of flammable material
• A supply of water sufficient to extinguish the fire is available when the fire is burning
• A person is in attendance at all times while the fire is alight.