Bushfire Season Information

BUSHFIRE SEASON INFORMATION

The Fire Danger Season for the Mt Lofty Ranges is from the 1st of December until the 30th of April. The penalties for illegally lighting a fire are severe. A fine up to $8,000.0 or imprisonment for up to two (2) years may be imposed.

TOTAL FIRE BANS

On days of extreme weather conditions (High wind & High temperature) a Total Fire Bans may be declared in some fire ban districts or even across the state.

These bans will apply for 24 hours
The ban will be broadcast on radio and television and printed in the paper.
A Total Fire Ban can be announced or removed as late as 7.00am on the morning of the ban.

FIRE FOR COOKING & PERSONAL COMFORT

Barbecues and campfires are permitted to be used outdoors during the Fire Danger Season provided it is not a Total Fire Ban day and if certain conditions apply.

The fire must be contained in a barbecue or cooker, a properly constructed fire place or a 30 cm deep trench, not more than 1 square metre in area.
All flammable material must be cleared away for a 4 metres, both around and above it.
While alight someone must be with the fire at all times.
There should be an extinguishing agent close by in a sufficient quantity to put the fire out.

On a Total Fire Ban Day only gas and electrical barbecues and stoves are permitted to be used for cooking outside, and only if the cooking appliance is used...

within 15 metres from a dwelling .
on a coastal foreshore.
within a 4 metre cleared area.
with a responsible person in attendance at all times.
with a sufficient extinguishing agent on hand.

NB. Solid fuel barbecues, kettles, campfires are illegal on Fire Ban days.

BURNING OFF

Rubbish can be burnt in a properly constructed incinerator during the Fire Danger Season provided it is not a Total Fire Ban day and if certain conditions are adhered to...

the area above and around the incinerator must be cleared for 4 metres.
must be attended while alight by a person able to control the fire.
with enough water available to readily extinguish the fire.

Burning rubbish or grass cuttings is permitted on the ground during the Fire Danger Season provided a permit has been issued from the local Authorised Officer. The conditions under which the permit is issued must be complied with. These conditions may vary from area to area.

MACHINES

Any machine powered by an internal combustion engine when used in the open during the Fire Danger Season may only be operated after taking specific precautions...

All engines must have an efficient spark arrester fitted to the exhurst pipe.
If using a tractor, self propelled header, or truck to harvest or transport a flammable crop including hay bales, or spread fertiliser or lime the vehicle must carry a knapsack spray or water extinguisher and a rake or shovel.
If using any form of mower or slasher, a chain saw, brush cutter or edger, you must first have either cleared a four (4) metre area of all flammable material right around the area to be cut, or have on hand a knapsack or water extinguisher and a rake or shovel.
When using a stationary engine, if no-one is present while it is operating, the area around it must be cleared of all flammable material for a distance of four (4) metres. If an operator is present when the engine is in use, they must have available a knapsack or water extinguisher and a rake or shovel.

Eclectic welders, mechanical cutting tools, oxy welders and other gas fired appliances can only be used outdoors when there is....

no Total Fire Ban in force.
a four (4) metre cleared all around.
a knapsack or water extinguisher and rake or shovel available.

CLEAN AIR ACT

Certain conditions within the township areas under the Clean Air Act permit only certain types of material to be burnt, between the hours of 10.00am and 3.00pm Monday to Saturday inclusive.

NOTE

Few people know the Country Fires Act 1989 to the letter, but if a OIC is called out to a fire (lit lawfully), which in his opinion is causing a threat to get out of control, he may use the discretionary Powers of Direction.