Burning off

Key points

  • Burning off is primarily to reduce bushfire fuel loads. 
  • Non-urban properties may be able to burn off without a permit - check your zone.  
  • Urban/built up areas cannot burn off without a permit.
  • All burns must be registered with Triple Zero Victoria , prior to the burn taking place (Do not call 000).
  • There are limited provisions for BBQs, chimineas, fire pits for food preparation or warmth in all areas – see further information. 
  • All fires (either with or without permits) are subject to common conditions (Step 4).  You may be fined if you breach these conditions.
  • There is no burning off allowed in July, in the declared Fire Danger Period or on a Total Fire Ban day. 
  • Domestic or commercial waste is not allowed to be burnt at any time.

Are you lighting a fire in a firepit, chiminea or barbeque for cooking or warmth? – see the rules for firepits.

Step 1 - Consider alternatives to burning off first

Before you burn off, please consider using one of these methods to reduce your fuel load:

If you decide you need to burn off:  Follow the steps below. If your burn doesn’t meet the conditions below, you can still apply for a permit to burn off if you think you have a good reason for doing so. 

You can’t burn off in July,  in the declared Fire Danger Period or on a Total Fire Ban day. 

Step 2 - Check which zone you’re in

Different burning-off rules apply to the Open Air Burn Zones across Cardinia Shire. You can check which zone your property is in by using the map tool below or by calling 1300 787 624.

  1. Enter your property address below to check which zone you're in.
  2. Once it appears, select it in the drop-down menu. 
  3. Your address will then appear in a dark blue box - click the right arrow to view your zone. 

 

Open the burning off map in a new tab here

Step 3 - Check the conditions to burn off for your zone

You can only burn off if you meet the conditions for your zone, which are outlined below.

Remember: If your burn doesn’t meet the conditions below, you can still apply for a permit to burn off if you think you have a good reason for burning off. All landscape, windrow or stubble burns will require a permit and may require an inspection by an Authorised Officer.

Zone conditions

Step 4 - Check that your fire will meet these conditions

Burning off, with or without a permit, is only allowed if all rules below are followed.  These rules are in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the community and are legal requirements:  

  • Burning off is only permitted for the purpose of reducing bushfire fuel.
  • You must have the landowner or public land manager’s consent to burn.
  • You cannot light a fire in a public place without a permit.
  • You must take reasonable measures to advise neighbouring landowners and occupiers at least 24 hours prior to burning.
  • You must comply with direction from emergency services or an authorised officer in respect of an open air fire.
  • No burning on severe weather warning days (as issued by the Bureau of Meteorology)
  • No burning on days when the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Air Quality Index is ‘poor’, ‘very poor’ or ‘hazardous’.
  • Burning of industrial, commercial or domestic waste is not permitted.
  • Use of accelerants (such as petrol, kerosene or diesel) is prohibited.
  • Use of incinerators is prohibited.
  • Your open air fire must not be a danger or nuisance to others.
  • You must ensure all fires are attended at all times and are able to be extinguished.
  • All open air fires must be extinguished before being left unattended.

If your fire meets all these conditions: Go to step 5

If you cannot meet all these conditions: 

  • You will need to reconsider your need to burn or await suitable conditions for your burn.
  • Conditions above in bold are strictly enforced, you should not light a fire if any of the bolded conditions are not met. 
  • Any fire should not cause a smoke or other hazard to other community members.  If excessive smoke is being generated, the fire should be extinguished.

Step 5 - Register your burn off

Before you light your fire/s, you must register your burn off with an agency called ESTA (soon to be called ‘Triple Zero Victoria’) at least 2 hours before you burn, so the CFA don't get called out. 

You can register online via the Fire Permits Vic website or call 1800 668 511 – do NOT call 000

Click to register online on the Fire Permits Vic

Apply for a permit to burn off

  • There is no cost to apply for this permit.
  • Please allow up to 3 business days for processing.
  • If you prefer, you can call 1300 787 624 to apply.

Apply online for a permit to burn off

Supporting documents

Questions?

Contact the Emergency Management team
Ph: 1300 787 624
Email: mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au

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