Fire Prevention and Burning in the Open
The District Council of Robe is committed to supporting residents to reduce bushfire risk while ensuring burning activities are undertaken safely and in accordance with South Australian legislation.
Burning in the open is regulated by several Acts and policies, with the requirements varying depending on where you are burning and the time of year. The information below will help you determine whether you require a Council Burning Permit, whether Council simply requests notification of your proposed burn, and where to obtain further information.
The requirements for burning in the open depend on two important factors:
- whether the proposed burning is within a declared township or outside a declared township; and
- whether it is during or outside the Fire Danger Season.
Different legislative requirements and approval processes apply depending on your circumstances.
Under the Environment Protection (Air Quality) Policy 2016, burning within the declared Robe township is subject to stricter controls because of the potential impacts on neighbouring properties, public health and local air quality.
Within the District Council of Robe, a Council Burning Permit is generally required before undertaking the following activities outside the Fire Danger Season:
- disposal of agricultural or forestry waste (vegetation);
- burning off for bushfire hazard reduction;
- heating an outdoor area using a brazier, chiminea or fire pit;
- recreational (e.g. cooking), religious or cultural purposes; or
- another approved purpose.
Council assesses permit applications in accordance with the Township Burning Permit Policy and applicable legislation. Applications are assessed individually by an Authorised Officer and approval is not automatic.
When assessing an application, Council may consider matters including:
- bushfire risk;
- proximity to neighbouring properties;
- the type and condition of vegetation;
- smoke impacts;
- availability of alternative disposal methods;
- relevant CFS Codes of Practice; and
- other site-specific safety considerations.
To apply for a Burning Permit in the Robe Township, please complete and return the below application form after reading the Township Burning Policy:
For properties located outside a declared township, a Council Burning Permit is generally not required outside the Fire Danger Season, provided the burning activity complies with the Environment Protection (Air Quality) Policy 2016, the applicable Country Fire Service (CFS) Code of Practice and any other relevant legislative requirements.
Although a permit is generally not required, the District Council of Robe encourages landowners to notify Council of proposed burning activities by completing the Burning in the Open Application Form. This assists Council in responding to enquiries from the public and maintaining operational awareness of planned burning activities within the district.
People undertaking burning activities remain responsible for ensuring the fire is conducted safely and in accordance with all applicable legislation.
The Council's Burning Permit does not apply during the Fire Danger Season.
During the Fire Danger Season (generally November to April), burning is regulated under the Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005. Separate permit requirements and conditions apply, including Schedule 9 and Schedule 10 permits, depending on the proposed activity.
These permits are subject to significantly stricter requirements, which may include:
- approval from the appropriate authority;
- minimum firefighting equipment;
- water supplies on site;
- minimum numbers of competent people present;
- weather and fire danger restrictions; and
- other operational conditions determined by the Country Fire Service.
Anyone proposing to undertake burning during the Fire Danger Season should contact Council and refer to the latest information published by the Country Fire Service before undertaking any burning activity.
Whether or not a Council Burning Permit is required, anyone undertaking burning in the open should:
- only burn dry vegetation and approved materials;
- never burn tyres, plastics, rubber, oils, painted or treated timber, household rubbish or other prohibited materials;
- ensure adequate firefighting equipment is immediately available;
- continuously supervise the fire;
- take reasonable precautions to prevent the fire escaping;
- minimise smoke impacts on neighbouring properties;
- completely extinguish the fire before leaving the site; and
- comply with all applicable legislation and Country Fire Service requirements.
Persons undertaking burning remain responsible for any loss, damage or injury arising from the activity.
Every property owner has an important role in reducing bushfire risk and protecting lives, property and the environment.
Council encourages residents to:
- maintain an Asset Protection Zone around dwellings;
- slash or mow grass before it cures;
- prune vegetation and remove excessive fuel loads;
- remove combustible materials from around buildings;
- clean gutters regularly;
- prepare a Bushfire Survival Plan; and
- maintain appropriate insurance.
Council also undertakes annual property inspections and may issue Fire Prevention Notices where a property presents an unacceptable bushfire hazard.