How do I obtain a permit for activity during the Fire Danger Period?

During the Fire Danger Period:

You need to apply for a Schedule 14 Permit. Download PDF (67kb)

Schedule 14 permits are issued to persons to light a fire for miscellaneous purposes during the Fire Danger Period (for example Hot Air Balloonists). This permit does not apply for days of Total Fire Ban.

Schedule 14 permits for specific areas are to be processed by the applicable CFA Regional Office. Permits that are required for various locations within Victoria must be applied for through CFA Headquarters.

These permits will only apply for CFA areas. For areas outside of this, the permit must be applied for through the MFESB or Department of Sustainability and Environment.

These permits do not apply for burning off of stubble, grass or other rubbish; permits for these purposes may be obtained through the local municipality, by contacting the Municipal Fire Prevention Officer.

On days of Total Fire Ban:

Section 40 permits may be issued for essential work purposes on days of Total Fire Ban. Companies or businesses may apply for permits for essential works. Individuals cannot obtain Section 40 Permits.

The CFA will usually issue permits for the following activities:

• Welding, cutting and/or grinding
• Heating and spreading of bitumen and like substances
• Use blow lamps or gas torches
• Use a safety fuse in blasting operations
• Use emergency flares at civil and military aerodromes
• Use a flare at a petroleum fractionation plant, a gas plant or any plant of a like nature
• Industrial heat testing
• Use of fire for loading, unloading or working bees
• Use of a fire in the open air on a day of total fire ban for the cooking of food by a caterer in the country area of Victoria
• Light a fire for the purpose of Public Entertainment
• Sawmill waste and refuse burners; or
• Use of LPG burners for Hot Air Ballooning

These permits will only apply for CFA areas. For other areas the permit must be applied for through the MFESB or Department of Sustainability and Environment (whichever organisation is applicable).

These permits are not automatically granted and if granted the user will have to abide by strict conditions that are set out on the permit. If these conditions are not followed, the permit will be revoked and may be to subject criminal charges.

Applicants need also be aware that the Operations Manager in the CFA Region where the work is being performed may revoke permits if it is deemed necessary due to particularly extreme fire dangers.

Section 40 permits for specific areas are to be processed by the applicable CFA Regional Office. Permits that are required for various locations within Victoria must be applied for through CFA HQ.

Charitable organisations may apply for a catering permit for fundraising purposes, however they must have gained the appropriate food handling permits from the local council first.

Permit applicants for the use of fireworks on days of Total Fire Ban must hold the relevant permits from the Victorian Workcover Authority. These permits must be applied for through the relevant local CFA Regional Office. These applications will be subject to thorough investigation.

If the permit is required for the whole fire season, it is advised that the application be submitted before the start of the Fire Danger Period. If the permit required is for a specific date, the application should be submitted at least two weeks before the date. Permits are rarely issued on the day of Total Fire Ban, and if so only in special circumstances.