Fire Prevention Information

Properties are to be kept clear of long grass and any other fire hazards, particularly during the summer period. Failure to do so may incur a penalty from the Council.

Additional information on fire control can be obtained from Council's Fire Prevention Officer Steve Davey on 0429 678 622 during office hours.

Fire Danger season runs from November 15th 2012 - April 30th 2013.

It is essential that you are familiar with the regulations and understand what you can and cannot do, within the DCBW area as we have a VERY strict burning policy.

Q   Can I burn rubbish or grass cuttings on my property? If you live within the Settlement Zones of Alford, Bute and Tickera or the Residential, Town Centre, Industry, Community or Rural Living Zones of Port Broughton, you CANNOT burn at any time. This ban extends to the areas of Fishermans Bay, Kulpara, Melton and Mundoora that are shown as the hatched areas on the Maps contained in the Environment Protection (EP) Burning Policy 1994. 

If your property falls outside of these areas, you can burn but are subject to the conditions as outlined in the EP Burning Policy.Environment Protection Burning Policy 1994(334 kb)

Q   Can I light a bonfire, campfire or light a fire for warmth or comfort?  You CANNOT light bonfires or campfires within the areas outlined above. Outside of these areas you are also subject to the conditions outlined in the EP Burning Policy 1994.

Q   Can I use a gas or electric BBQ? Yes, providing you have a responsible person in attendance at all times and have a 4 metre cleared space around and above the gas fire or electric element. An adequate agent to extinguish the fire must also be at hand.

Should you have any further queries, please contact Council on 8635 2107.

 

Section 9 Permits for burning are available after 15th February 2012 from either the Bute or Port Broughton Council offices subject to fire bans and general weather conditions.

Only one permit per landholder will be issued and will last for the entire period to 30th April 2012.

The local CFS and the local Council office must be advised on the morning of every day on which burning is carried out, making sure that there is a minimum of 2 hours notice given to both.

Farmers MUST notify Council of their intent to burn BEFORE 1.00pm ON THE DAY of the intended burn.

Permits are to be carried by the farmer at all times while burning and they must be the person at the burn themselves - permits cannot be transferred.

Permits are to be issued at the discretion of the authorised permit officers who have a right to refuse permits having regard to local weather conditions.

ALL RESTRICTIONS MUST BE ADHERED TO!

CFS CONTACT TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR 2012 BURNING SEASON

Bute, South Hummocks, Alford, Tickera                0429 692 511

Port Broughton                                                     0404 720 354

Wards Hill                                                            0427 716 246

Mundoora                                                            0419 852 832

Council is extremely caution of the need to ensure that any bushfire risk is minimised, and requests residents to undertake the necessary steps to ensure not only their safety, but that of their neighbours. Below is a range of information for consideration.

Do you know:

• The conditions under which a bushfire is most likely to occur and spread?
• The most likely cause of house loss during bushfires?
• How to reduce the chances of your house burning in a bushfire?
• How will you find out about a fire in your area?
• What is required for personal protection during a bushfire?

Have you thought about:

• Whether to stay with your house or to leave well before a fire starts?
• All members of your household and their abilities to deal with bushfires?
• Preparing an action plan for what every household member will do during a bushfire?
• Where family members might be when a bushfire starts - home, work, school, shopping, friends?
• The possibility of a fire threatening on a weekend, at night or when you have guests?

Have you done everything necessary to:

• Reduce the amount of fire fuels (leaves, small sticks and grass) from around your house?
• Maintain your house to minimise the risk of ember attack in a bushfire?
• Prepare a kit of personal safety gear for each household member?
• Secure a reliable water supply and equipment to defend your house during a bushfire?
• Plan for the safety of your pets?
• Identify and gather your valuables?
• Do you feel confident that you can implement your bushfire plan?

For information on joining the Country Fire Service, please contact the group in your local area.

Information brochures on fire safety are available from both Council offices.

Important NEW conditions for 'burn-offs' can be found here

1. "Burning Off" Conditions

(a) Permits will be issued after February 15th annually subject to Fire Bans and general weather conditions.

(b) This Permit MUST be issued to the person who intends to conduct the burning, and this person MUST be on site at all times the burning is being conducted.

(c) Where a permit is issued for longer than a 24 hour period, the permit holder MUST notify the Council of their intent to burn BEFORE 1.00pm on the day of the intended burn AND provide a minimum of 2 hours notice before starting to burn.

(d) The land immediately around the relevant land must be cleared of all flammable material to a distance of at least four metres.

(e) A minimum of three persons, a fire unit with a minimum of 400L of water and operational motor, pump and hoses also to be in attendance.

(f) Burning off is permitted during daylight hours Monday to Friday. Burning off is not permitted on Saturdays, Sundays or public holidays.

(g) Permit holders must notify adjoining landowners prior to burning.

(h) Permits are to be issued at the discretion of the authorised permit officers who have a right to refuse permits having regard to local weather conditions.

(i) Once the original permit has been authorised, the Permit Holder may notify Council of their intent to burn via Councils website.

2. "Fire harrowing and Wind roe" Burning

(a) A genuine attempt must be made to previously burn the land.

(b) At least one responsible and able-bodied person to be in attendance from the time the fire is lit until it is extinguished and 400L of water and operational motor, pump and hoses also to be in attendance.

(c) All other adopted conditions for "Burning Off" still apply.

3. "Chaff Pile" Burning Conditions

• No burning of Chaff Piles until the 14th March annually.
• The piles must be contained within a 20 metre burnt/cleared area around the pile with a 4 metre ploughed break around the outside of the burnt/cleared area.
• A minimum of 1000L of water on hand and to remain in the location for a further 24 hour period after the completion of the burn off or until the area is ploughed.
• No Chaff Piles to be burnt within 25m of a boudary fence.
• No burning of the Chaff piles when prevailling winds will create a hazard to road users and or townships or settlements as a result of smoke.
• The fire ground must be rechecked within 6 hours of completion of the burn off and again within 24 hours
• All other adopted conditions for "Burning off" still apply.

Farmers can notify Council the day before the burning of "Chaff Piles", to allow Chaff Piles to be lit as early as possible on the day of burning.

IT IS THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PERMIT HOLDER TO NOTIFY THE CFS OF THEIR INTENTION TO BURN