Fire Restrictions

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

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.

Fires in the open air are restricted 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

Can I or Can't I? is an information sheet which explains these restrictions in more detail

Listen to this safety message. Or read this transcript...

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 obtain a permit for activity during the Fire Danger Period?

Note: Permits are NOT VALID on a day of TOTAL FIRE BAN

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...