To view restrictions, select 'Fire Danger Period (FDP)' or 'Total Fire Ban (TFB)' option above.
Fire Danger Period (FDP) Restrictions
Burning off
section.
Chainsaw / Lawn
Can I use a chainsaw, plant or grass trimmer or lawn mower?
NO unless:
- the chainsaw, plant or grass trimmer or lawn mower complies with the following when used in vegetation that is not green (that is dry vegetation):
- 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
Also, a person must be in attendance at all times the machine is being used, and must carry at least one of the following fire suppression equipment items:
- one knapsack spray pump, in working order, fully charged with water, with a capacity of not less than 9 litres, or
- one water (stored pressure) fire extinguisher, in working order, fully charged with water and maintained at the correct pressure, with a capacity of not less than 9 litres
Work undertaken in GREEN vegetation is permitted, however CFA suggests maintaining equipment and carrying fire suppression equipment as described above.
Note that the spark arrester, the knapsack spray pump and the water fire extinguisher referred to above must comply with the applicable Australian Standards.
Farm / Road Machinery
Can I use self-propelled farm machinery, tractors, slashers, earth-moving, excavating or road making machines propelled by a heat engine within 9 metres of any crops, grass, stubble, weeds, undergrowth or other vegetation?
NO unless the machinery is:
- free from faults and mechanical defects that could cause an outbreak of fire, and
- fitted with a spark arrester in working order, a turbocharger or exhaust aspirated air cleaner, and
- carries fire suppression equipment comprising either:
- at least one knapsack spray pump, in working order, fully charged with water, with a capacity of not less than 9 litres, or
- at least one water (stored pressure) fire extinguisher, in working order, fully charged with water and maintained at the correct pressure, with a capacity of not less than 9 litres.
Note that the spark arrester, the knapsack spray pump and the water fire extinguisher referred to above must comply with the applicable Australian Standards.
Incinerator
Can I use an incinerator?
NO unless:
- You check with council about any local laws that might prescribe conditions or restrict or prohibit incinerator use (eg bans on certain days, in certain areas or during certain times)
- And the following requirements are met:
- the fire is effectively restricted within the incinerator which means that sparks, embers or coals cannot escape from the top, side or bottom of the incinerator
- the wind is not more than 10km/h. This means that leaves on trees are gently moving around in the breeze but branches are not moving.
- the ground and air space within 3 metres from the outer perimeter of the incinerator are clear of flammable material
- a supply of water adequate to extinguish the fire is available at all times when the fire is burning
- a person is in attendance at all times while the fire is alight and has the capacity and means to extinguish the fire
- the fire is completely extinguished before the person leaves.
Note that the CFA Act 1958 defines an incinerator as a structure or device which is used, or may be used, for the destruction or disposal of unwanted materials by burning and is:
- constructed from non-flammable material, and
- fitted with a shield or guard of non-flammable material to prevent the emission of sparks, embers or other burning material
Wildlife scare gun
Can I use a gas-powered wildlife scaring gun?
NO unless:
- you have a fire danger period permit issued by CFA or FRV, depending on the location of the activity; and comply with all permit conditions
Total Fire Ban (TFB) Restrictions
Burning off
section.
Chainsaw / Lawn mower
Can I use a chainsaw, plant or grass trimmer or lawn mower?
This should be avoided wherever possible on Total Fire Ban days because the risk of starting fires is extremely high and the impact of fire on these days may be much greater.
If the work is essential:
- the chainsaw, plant or grass trimmer or lawn mower must comply with the following when used in vegetation that is not green (that is dry vegetation):
- free from faults and mechanical defects that could cause an outbreak of fire, and
- fitted with an efficient spark arrester, and
- have an area of at least 3 metres around the machine cleared of flammable material.
- Also, a person must be in attendance at all times the machine is being used, and must carry at least one of the following fire suppression equipment items:
- one knapsack spray pump, in working order, fully charged with water, with a capacity of not less than 9 litres, or
- one water (stored pressure) fire extinguisher, in working order, fully charged with water and maintained at the correct pressure, with a capacity of not less than 9 litres.
Note that the spark arrester, the knapsack spray pump and the water fire extinguisher referred to above must comply with the applicable Australian Standards.
Farm / Road Machinery
Can I use self-propelled farm machinery, tractors, slashers, earth-moving, excavating or road making machines propelled by a heat engine within 9 metres of any crops, grass, stubble, weeds, undergrowth or other vegetation??
This should be avoided wherever possible because the risk of starting fires is extremely high and the impact of fire on these days may be much greater.
If the work is essential, ensure machinery:
- is free from faults and mechanical defects that could cause an outbreak of fire, and
- is fitted with a spark arrester in working order, a turbocharger or exhaust aspirated air cleaner, and
- carries fire suppression equipment comprising either:
- at least one knapsack spray pump, in working order, fully charged with water, with a capacity of not less than 9 litres, or
- at least one water (stored pressure) fire extinguisher, in working order, fully charged with water and maintained at the correct pressure, with a capacity of not less than 9 litres.
Note that the spark arrester, the knapsack spray pump and the water fire extinguisher referred to above must comply with the applicable Australian Standards.
Incinerator
Can I use an incinerator?
NO
Using an incinerator is banned on Total Fire Ban Days.
Wildlife scare gun
Can I use a gas-powered wildlife scare gun?
NO
Gas-powered scare guns cannot be used on days of Total Fire Ban.