What can I do / What can't I do?

Can I light a fire without a permit?
NO
Fires are NOT permitted.
NO
Fires are NOT permitted.
Can I burn-off on my property?
NO

Unless you have a Schedule 9 Permit from your local council.

Check with your local council for conditions.

NO
Fires are NOT permitted.
Can I burn rubbish or grass clippings?
NO
For any burning of rubbish or vegetation clippings, a Schedule 9 Permit is required from your local council.
NO
The lighting of incinerators is banned.
You must check with your local council for compliance with Environment Protection Authority restrictions. Some councils have totally prohibited the use of incinerators and open fires for waste disposal on domestic premises.
Can I have a fire in a forest reserve?
NO

No fires, including barbecues and campfires, are permitted in forest reserves between November 30 to April 30 each year. However, gas barbecues may be permitted in designated areas in Mount Lofty Ranges forest under certain conditions.

For enquiries, contact ForestrySA.

NO
Fires are NOT permitted.
Can I have a fire in a National Park Reserve?
NO*

Strict regulations apply to all fires, including barbecues, in National Parks and Wildlife Reserves. Many National Parks and Wildlife Reserves have total bans on the use of wood fires.

*Fires may be permitted in some National Parks and Wildlife Reserves. Find out what is allowed and when.

NO
Fires are NOT permitted.
Can I use a gas or electric barbecue or cooking appliance?
YES

Providing:

  • the barbecue/cooking appliance is clear of all flammable vegetation to a distance of at least 4 metres
  • a person who is able to control the fire is present at the site of the fire until it is extinguished
  • an appropriate extinguisher is at hand.
YES

A gas or electric barbecue or cooking appliance can be used:

  • within 15 metres of a domestic or commercial premises, OR
  • on a coastal foreshore.

Providing:

  • the barbecue/cooking appliance is clear of all flammable vegetation to a distance of at least 4 metres
  • a person who is able to control the fire is present at the site of the fire until it is extinguished
  • an appropriate extinguisher is at hand.
Some local councils allow gas or electric barbecues in caravan parks or cleared picnic areas. Look for signs or contact the council for advice.
Can I use a solid fuel (wood/charcoal) kettle barbecue?
YES

Provided that:

  • the barbecue is clear of all flammable vegetation to a distance of at least 4 metres
  • a person who is able to control the fire is present at the site of the fire until it is extinguished
  • an appropriate extinguisher is at hand.
NO

A solid fuel burning kettle barbecue (one that uses fuel such as wood, charcoal or heat beads) cannot be used unless you get a Schedule 10 Permit from your local council. These permits are generally only issued for emergency purposes.

A gas-fired kettle barbecue can be used if used within 15 metres of a domestic or commercial premises or on a coastal foreshore, providing that:

  • the barbecue is clear of all flammable vegetation to a distance of at least 4 metres
  • a person who is able to control the fire is present at the site of the fire until it is extinguished
  • an appropriate extinguisher is at hand.
Can I use a pizza oven?
YES

Provided it is a gas or electric - see above for barbecues.

If wood fired, it should comply with the CFS Code of Practice and must be in a properly constructed fireplace, have a 4 metres clearance from flammable vegetation, someone in attendance while it is lit and an adequate extinguishing agent at hand.

NO
Unless it is gas or electric - see above for barbecues - or you have a Schedule 10 Permit from your local council.
Can I use a chainsaw, brush cutter, mower or slasher?
YES

Providing:

  • a shovel or rake and portable water spray are at hand.

Additionally:

  • all engine exhaust exits through the exhaust system, and
  • the system prevents the escape of burning material
  • heated parts of the system are prevented from coming into contact with flammable material/vegetation
  • the system is in good working order.
YES

Providing:

  • a shovel or rake and portable water spray are at hand.

Additionally:

  • all engine exhaust exits through the exhaust system, and
  • the system prevents the escape of burning material
  • heated parts of the system are prevented from coming into contact with flammable material/vegetation
  • the system is in good working order.
Can I use an angle grinder, welder, metal cutting tool or any other tool that produces a spark outside?
YES
Providing you have a 10-metre cleared space around the area, and water or an appropriate extinguisher is at hand.
NO
Unless you have a Schedule 10 Permit from your local council. These permits are generally only issued for emergency purposes.
Can I have a campfire, bonfire or light a fire for cooking, warmth or comfort?
YES

Providing:

  • the fire is in a 30 cm deep trench and no more than one square metre in area
  • you have a 4 metre cleared space around and above the fire
  • a responsible person is in attendance at all times with water and/or an appropriate extinguisher.

Check with your local council before lighting a comfort fire, as Council by-laws may prohibit or impose further restrictions on comfort fires in some circumstances.

Please note that only charcoal is allowed to be burnt for comfort fires within a metropolitan area or within township boundaries by the EPA Legislation.

The use of above ground fires such as chimineas, fire drums, braziers are only permitted with the use of permits.

NO
Unless you have a Schedule 10 Permit from your local council. These permits are generally only issued for emergency purposes.
Can I use fireworks?
NO

Private use of fireworks is banned.

Licensed pyrotechnicians may conduct public fireworks displays providing they have a Schedule 9 Permit from CFS.

NO

Private use of fireworks is banned.

Licensed pyrotechnicians may conduct public fireworks displays providing they have a Schedule 10 Permit from CFS.

Can I smoke cigarettes?
YES

But:

  • You must not smoke within 2 metres of flammable bush or grass outside of a township (Penalty: $1250).
  • You must not throw a cigarette butt from a vehicle (Penalty: $500).
  • You must not drop or throw a cigarette butt where it will come into contact with flammable vegetation (Penalty: $500).
YES

But:

  • You must not smoke within 2 metres of flammable bush or grass outside of a township (Penalty: $1250).
  • You must not throw a cigarette butt from a vehicle (Penalty: $500).
  • You must not drop or throw a cigarette butt where it will come into contact with flammable vegetation (Penalty: $500).
Can I undertake harvesting activities?
YES

Providing:

  • you have a shovel or rake and a portable water spray at hand.

Additionally:

  • all engine exhaust exits through the exhaust system, and
  • the system prevents the escape of burning material.
  • heated parts of the system are prevented from coming into contact with flammable material/vegetation
  • the system is in good working order.

You should also follow your local Grain Harvesting Code of Practice available from your local council.

YES

Providing:

  • you have a shovel or rake and a portable water spray at hand.

Additionally:

  • all engine exhaust exits through the exhaust system, and
  • the system prevents the escape of burning material.
  • heated parts of the system are prevented from coming into contact with flammable material/vegetation
  • the system is in good working order.

You should also follow your local Grain Harvesting Code of Practice available from your local council.

Can I use a bird scarer in my orchard?
YES

Providing that:

  • the space immediately around and above the appliance is cleared of all flammable vegetation to a distance of at least 4 metres
  • the bird scarer is constructed to prevent the escape of fire or burning material
  • the bird scarer is in good working order and clean so as to avoid a malfunction that could cause a fire
  • the person using the bird scarer takes precautions to ensure that the bird scarer cannot fall over, or be knocked over or otherwise interfered with by animals.
YES

Providing that:

  • the space immediately around and above the appliance is cleared of all flammable vegetation to a distance of at least 4 metres
  • the bird scarer is constructed to prevent the escape of fire or burning material
  • the bird scarer is in good working order and clean so as to avoid a malfunction that could cause a fire
  • the person using the bird scarer takes precautions to ensure that the bird scarer cannot fall over, or be knocked over or otherwise interfered with by animals.
Advice: if the information you need is not on our website call the Information Hotline on 1800 362 361.