Can I or Can't I?

• The wind is not more than 10kph

• The fire is lit in a properly constructed fireplace or trench at least 30cm deep

• The fire is not within 7.5 metres of a log or stump

• The ground and air space within 3 metres are clear of flammable material

• The fire and fuel used are the minimum necessary for the purpose and do not occupy an area of more than 1 sq metre

• An adult is in attendance at all times while the fire is alight.

Note that in accordance with the CFA Act, a “properly constructed fireplace” means a fireplace that is constructed of stone, metal, concrete or any other non-flammable material so as to contain the perimetre of the fire.

A commercially produced barbecue would be considered a properly constructed fireplace.

But only if:

• The wind is not more than 10kph

• The fire is lit in a properly constructed fireplace or trench at least 30cm deep

• The fire is not within 7.5 metres of a log or stump

• The ground and air space within 3 metres are clear of flammable material

• The fire and fuel used are the minimum required for the purpose and do not occupy an area of more than 1 sq metre

• An adult is in attendance at all times while the fire is alight.

(A commercially produced barbecue or spit would be considered a properly constructed fireplace.)

But only if:

• You have a written permit issued by the Municipal Fire Prevention Officer or by the CFA Regional office

• You comply with the conditions of that permit

• An adult is in attendance at all times while the fire is alight.

Many councils ban burning off on smog alert days.

But only if the vehicle is fitted with an efficient silencing device that takes all of the exhaust from the engine through the silencing device.

You should avoid driving vehicles through dry vegetation in hot and dry conditions, even if it is not a TFB, due to the risk posed by the hot exhaust system.

Provided that:

• You check with council about any local laws that might prescribe conditions, restrict or prohibit incinerator use, (eg. bans on smog alert days, certain areas and days of the week)

• The fire is effectively restricted within the incinerator

• The air movement is 10kph or less

• The area 3 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

• An adult is in attendance at all times while the fire is alight.

But only if:

• A fire-resistant shield or guard is in place to stop sparks, etc

• An area at least 1.5 metres is cleared of flammable material or wetted down sufficiently to prevent the spread of fire

• You have a water supply or water spray knapsack containing at least 9 litres of water

• An adult is in attendance at all time while the fire is alight

• All cut offs and hot materials are placed in fireproof receptacle.

But only if machinery:

• Is free from faults and mechanical defects that could cause an outbreak of fire

• Is fitted with an approved spark arrester

• Carries fire suppression equipment comprising:

  • a knapsack spray pump, in working order, fully charged with water, with a capacity of not less than 9 litres; or

  • a water fire extinguisher, in working order, fully charged with water, with a capacity of not less than 9 litres

• Tractors fitted with a turbocharger or an exhaust aspirated air cleaner do not require a spark arrestor

Chainsaws, plant or grass trimmers, or lawn mowers used in green vegetation without prescribed conditions.

Chainsaws, plant or grass trimmers or lawn mowers used in vegetation that is not green, must be:

• Free from faults and mechanical defects that could cause an outbreak of fire

• Fitted with an efficient spark arrester

• Have an area of at least 3 metres around the machine cleared of flammable material

• The operator of the machine must carry the following fire suppression equipment:

  • a knapsack spray pump, in working order, fully charged with water, with a capacity of not less than 9 litres; or

  • a water fire extinguisher, in working order, fully charged with water, with a capacity of not less than 9 litres