Fire Bans and Wildfires
Total fire ban
A Total Fire Ban is described in section 99 of the Rural Fires Act 1997. During a Total Fire Ban no fire of any kind may be lit in the open. This includes incinerators and barbecues, which burn solid fuel, (eg wood or charcoal). Gas or electric barbecues may be used, but only if:
- it is on a residential property within 20m of the house or dwelling
- it is under the direct control of a responsible adult
- the ground around the barbecue (3 metres surrounding) is clear of all flammable material
- there is a continuous supply of running water close by.
Link to RFS
Solid fuel bans in forests
State Forests also enforce a Solid Fuel Fire Ban when the lighting of fires is likely to result in wildfires. The ban restricts the use of open fires because forest fuels are dry, increasing the risk of campfires escaping into the forests.
Since we introduced forest fire bans were introduced in 1990 they have proved to be very effective in reducing wildfires.
Gas appliances are not affected by the bans but care should still be taken when used in the forests.
Forest fire bans apply every day throughout summer and not just on days of declared Total Fire Ban (TOBAN). Signs warning of Forest Fire Bans are erected on all major roads leading into State forests affected by the restrictions.
Failure to comply with the Solid Fuel Fire Ban restrictions carries a maximum penalty of $2200.
A bushfire emergency
Section 44 of the Rural Fires Act 1997 relates to a bushfire emergency. It occurs when:
- a bush fire has assumed or is likely to assume such proportions as to be incapable of control or suppression by the fire fighting authority or authorities in whose area or locality it is burning, or
- the prevailing conditions are conducive to the outbreak of a bush fire likely to assume such proportions, or
- a bush fire is not being effectively controlled or suppressed by the fire fighting authority or authorities in whose area or locality it is burning, or
- a bush fire is burning in a place that is not the responsibility of any fire fighting authority
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