Penalties of up to $10,000 and two years gaol or on-the-spot fines of $315 are given if the failure to follow the correct procedures results in a fire.
Why do you need a permit to light a fire?
Permits are required to light a fire, burn off, or operate spark-creating equipment or machinery during the Fire Danger Season when the general exemption conditions can not be met.
There are some exceptions for fires used for cooking and personal comfort, gas-fired appliances and electric welding equipment, if they are used under certain conditions.
Schedule 9 permits are issued for the use of fire or high-fire-risk activities during the Fire Danger Season.
When a Total Fire Ban Day is declared, you must have a Schedule 10 permit to use fire or prescribed equipment or activities.
How to get a permit
Permits are free of charge and can be requested by telephone, fax or email from most local councils.
Permit applications may be refused by the Authorised Officer if the activity is deemed too risky.
An Authorised Officer will assess your application and, if granted, give you a permit number and the specific conditions that apply to your permit.
Permit conditions
Permits have strict conditions for how activities can be carried out and what precautions must be taken.
If you are lighting a fire, you must adhere to all listed conditions, and notify the persons listed on the permit no less than 2 hours before you light the fire or your intention to light a fire.
Breaches of permits will be enforced by prosecution or expiation.