Fire permits and restrictions

If you plan to undertake outdoor burning activities on your property, it's important to be aware of your obligations.

Fire permits and restrictions apply during the official Fire Danger Period in Towong Shire, which is announced by the Country Fire Authority (CFA) in the lead up to summer each year. Whether or not you need a permit will depend on what you're burning and how you're burning it.

Permits

You can apply for a fire permit at Fire Permits Victoria.

You can also visit your regional CFA, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning or Fire Rescue Victoria office and apply in person.

Please note: All permits are null and void on a CFA-declared Total Fire Ban (TFB) day.

What can and can't be burned

Unless you have a permit, you must not light an incinerator or open fire, except for:

• a fire in a barbeque while being used for the purpose of cooking food
• a fire in a chiminea or potbelly stove, or a small open fire in a suitable container for heating, cooking, cultural or social purposes which is not offensive
• a fire generated by a tool of trade of trade while being used for the purpose for which it was designed
• a fire contained in a properly constructed fireplace within a dwelling for the purpose of heating
• a fire lit by a member of a CFA brigade or station in the course of his or her duty, or a member of the public who holds a permit.

Unless you have a permit, you must not light a campfire or barbeque using solid fuel unless:

• the fire is contained in an approved fireplace or trench of at least 30 centimetres deep
• the ground and airspace within a distance of three metres from the outer perimeter and uppermost point of the fire are clear of all potentially flammable material
• the fire does not occupy an area exceeding one square metre
• the dimensions of any solid fuel used are the minimum necessary for the purpose.

You must not burn any substance which contains:

• food waste, fish or other offensive or noxious matter
• any rubber or plastic
• any petroleum or oil
• any paint or receptacle which contains or contained paint
• any manufactured chemical.

Fire hazard notices

Council inspects properties in township areas for fire hazards before the start of each bushfire season. If a property is overgrown or contains derelict cars, buildings or other rubbish, a Fire Prevention Notice can be issued.

If a property has been issued with a notice, the owner or occupier must remove the hazards within 14 days or risk incurring a fine plus the cost of Council removing the hazard.