Check Here For Fire Bans Nationally

[Bushie]

As a result of another thread I thought it may be a good idea to bring all the Total Fire Ban information from the various states together as a reference source.
I've just copied from each of the relevant web sites.


VICTORIA
Warnings & Restrictions - Country Fire Authority
Total Fire Ban
Can I have a barbecue, light a campfire or light a fire for warmth or comfort?

No - Campfires, fires for warmth or personal comfort are banned during Total Fire Ban Days. Solid and liquid fuel barbecues and ovens are also banned during Total Fire Ban Days.


NSW
Total Fire Ban rules - NSW Rural Fire Service

Total Fire Ban rules
During a Total Fire Ban you cannot light, maintain or use a fire in the open, or to carry out any activity in the open that causes, or is likely to cause, a fire.

No general purpose hot works such as using tractors, slashers and/or welding, grinding or gas cutting can be done in the open either, and this includes incinerators and barbecues which burn solid fuel, eg. wood or charcoal.

Can I use a gas barbeque?

You can use a gas barbeque under the following conditions:

• It is under the direct control of a responsible adult, who is present at all times while it is operating;
• No combustible material is allowed within two metres at any time it is operating;
• You have an immediate and continuous supply of water; and
• The barbeque is within 20 metres of a permanent private dwelling such as a home; or
• The barbeque is within a designated picnic area and the appliance is approved by Council, National Parks or State Forest.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA
CFS :: What Can I Do / What Can't I Do?

A gas or electric barbecue can be used:

within 15 metres of a domestic premises, OR
on a coastal foreshore

Providing:

• The BBQ is clear of all flammable material 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 have a campfire, bonfire or light a fire for warmth or comfort?
NO Unless you have a Schedule 10 Permit from your local council.

QUEENSLAND
https://ruralfire.qld.gov.au/Using_F..._Restrictions/
Fire Restrictions

In Queensland, the use of fire can be restricted by imposing either a Local Fire Ban or a State of Fire Emergency. When it is considered that predicted conditions and weather forecasts indicate that fires would be difficult to control and pose a danger to communities, the Commissioner Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) or his delegate has the authority under the provisions of the Fire and Emergency Services Act to impose a local fire ban.

When fire weather conditions become extremely dangerous, The Commissioner, QFES, with the approval of the Minister, can declare a State of Fire Emergency.

Local Fire Bans are normally imposed over an entire local government area and prohibit the lighting of all or only certain types of fires, depending on the severity of the emergency. (Gas and electric barbecues may be used).

When fire bans are in place either as a local Fire Ban or during a State of Fire Emergency:

The lighting of fires in the declared fire ban areas are prohibited subject to any special conditions or exemptions
All open fires are prohibited;
All Permits to Light Fire issued in the designated area are cancelled.
Other special conditions (or exemptions) may be imposed.

Fire bans are advertised widely and remain in force until cancelled. Information can also be obtained at any time by phoning free call 1800 020 440.

WEST AUSTRALIA
What can't I do on a Total Fire Ban day?
Can I use my BBQ?

This depends on what type of BBQ or cooker you have, and where it is located.

During a Total Fire Ban (TF you cannot light or use a fire in the open air.

Undercover areas such as patios, pergolas and huts that are open or partially open to the weather are deemed to be in the open air.

Solid fuel

No. You cannot use any BBQ or cooker that requires solid fuel such as wood or charcoal. This includes wood fired ovens or stoves, and Weber like BBQs.

Gas

Yes. You can use a gas BBQ for cooking if it has an enclosed flame and all flammable material is cleared five metres away from around your BBQ.

Short green grass less than five centimetres in height, paving stones, bricks and reticulated gardens are not considered to be flammable.

FESA recommends that you check all gas fittings and connections and ensure a garden hose is in reach at all times. You should never leave an active BBQ unattended.

BBQs with exposed flames cannot be used.

Electric

Yes. You can use an electric BBQ where there is no flame.


Can I light a camp fire?

No. During a TFB it is illegal to:

Light, maintain or use a fire in the open air.
Carry out any activity that causes or is likely to cause a fire in the open air.

Can I drive a 4WD offroad (e.g. through bushland) for recreational purposes?

No. During a Total Fire Ban you cannot use a vehicle in bush or a paddock, unless it is for agricultural purposes.

You can only use a vehicle on a road, track or in an area that has been sufficiently cleared of flammable material.

TASMANIA
Tasmania Fire Service
On Days of Total Fire Ban all barbeques, portable stoves, pizza ovens etc that use wood, charcoal, heat beads or other solid or liquid fuel are banned.

Bushwalkers are therefore advised that the only cooking appliance that can be used on Total Fire Ban Days are LPG (Butane or Propane) cookers or stoves providing that they are clear of any flammable material for a distance of 1 metre.

ACT
Total Fire Bans – ACT Emergency Services Agency
During a Total Fire Ban the following fires are permitted:

Fires used inside a factory, as defined under the Emergencies Regulations 2004;
Fire that is maintained for a ceremonial or commemorative purpose providing that, the fire; is less than 1 meter square in volume, is under the constant supervision of a responsible adult, the area around the fire is clear for three metres and approval has been granted by the ESA;
Fires necessary for the maintenance or repair of essential services by authorised entities including light, power, water, sewerage, transport or communications, providing prior notice has been provided to the ESA; and
Gas or electric cooking appliances used on your own premises, i.e. no wood, charcoal, or spirit burning appliances.

In particular, a gas or electric barbeque may be used under the following conditions:

The barbeque is under constant adult supervision and attendance;
The ground within three metres of the barbeque is cleared of all materials which could burn; and
There is a continuous supply of water that can be applied to the barbeque and the surrounding area.

NORTHERN TERRITORY
I wasn't able to locate Total Fire Ban information for the NT


Martyn

[Bytemrk]

Thanks Martyn,

Maybe we should have this as a sticky some where so it doesn't disappear over time - just not sure where.

[Eevo]

good work.

i hate to state the obvious, but total fire ban day mean NO ANGLE GRINDERS.

[Rookie]

Any questions for CFA (VIC) I will be happy to answer or assist in finding an answer as I am a volunteer firey. Remember to always carry a extinguisher, fire or wool blanket, mobile phone, fm/am radio, torch, appropriate clothing and sufficient water in case the threat of fire arises in your area. To find current fire activity information in Victoria visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au

[LandyAndy]

Hi Martyn
To add to the WA rulez.
You are allowed to harvest on a total fire ban day,providing your local shire hasnt invoked a vehicle movement ban.Once they do you can only enter paddocks for the purpose of watering stock.
Out doors hot work(welding grinding etc)can be done providing you have certification to do such work on a total fireban day.
Andrew

[Bushie]

Hi Martyn
To add to the WA rulez.
You are allowed to harvest on a total fire ban day,providing your local shire hasnt invoked a vehicle movement ban.Once they do you can only enter paddocks for the purpose of watering stock.
Out doors hot work(welding grinding etc)can be done providing you have certification to do such work on a total fireban day.
Andrew

There were additional rules, and probably for most states almost as many exemptions. I pulled out the ones that were most applicable to us as landy drivers rather than workers or farmers etc.

I'm pretty well up on the NSW rules.


Martyn

[digger]

Most of all,

Common sense please people, if in doubt get out!
make sure you have prepared your house to defend it or that you
leave early!

Lets not lose anyone else this year.

[Redback]

Remember that some State Forests and National Parks have a blanket fire ban, in the fire season.

eg) Belanglo, Penrose, Wingello and Meryla State Forests is between August and May, from memory.

ALSO

Solid Fuel Fire Bans NSW

Campfires and barbecues using wood, charcoal or other solid fuel are currently banned in State forests in the Riverina and Central West.
Solid Fuel Fire Bans apply to all State forests in Central West NSW, the Koondrook, Perricoota and Campbells Island State Forests along the Murray, the Gillenbah, Buckingbong, Matong and Binya State forests in the Murrumbidgee catchment and smaller cypress forests in the Riverina region.
People planning to camp in these forests may use gas appliances.
Visitors should also be prepared for days when total fire bans are declared, as all fires including gas fires will be prohibited on those days.
Signs informing forest users of the Solid Fuel Fire Ban will be placed on major roads leading into the State forests affected by the restrictions. Visitors should check the Rural Fire Service website for information about total fire bans.
Failure to comply with Solid Fuel Fire Ban restrictions carries a maximum penalty of $2200.



Baz.

[Bushie]

Total Fire Ban in force for parts of NSW on 26th November 2015

1. Greater Sydney Area
2. Hunter
3. Northern Slopes
4. North Western

More Info


Martyn