Bushfire Information

Fire Regulations

Council has regulations pursuant to the Bush Fires Act 1954 with regard to fire control. These include specifications on firebreaks and restricted burning dates. Annually when the Rates Notices are sent out at the beginning of the financial year a copy of your annual 'Firebreak Order' is included. Extra care should be taken to retain this document as it has useful information relating to bushfire emergencies and also contains what you, as a property owner, need to do as per the Bush Fires Act 1954 to make sure your property is prepared for bushfire season. FAILURE TO COMPLY with the ‘Fire Break order’ may result in the issuing of a modified penalty from the Shire.

Burning Periods

The following restricted and prohibited burning times are in place for the Shire of Narembeen.

  • Restricted Burning Period 19 September to 31 October. (Permit Required)
  • Prohibited Burning Period 1 November to 31 January.
  • Restricted Burning Period 1 February to 15 March. (Permit Required) 

Any questions about burning times should be directed to a Fire Control Officer or the Shire Office.

| View Firebreak Order 2024/2025 |

Harvest & Movement Bans

When Harvest Bans are instigated, they are broadcast over Radiowest and ABC radio. A harvest ban can be in two forms:

  • A Restricted Movement Ban – means that vehicles are only allowed to move on paddocks to water stock.
  • A Total Movement Ban – means that there is to be no movement on paddocks at all. 

The Shire of Narembeen imposes an automatic Harvest Ban and Restriction of Movement of Machinery on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Harvest bans are gauged not only on the temperature, but also on humidity and wind velocity and are monitored using scientific methods.

Community members may call the Shire’s Harvest Ban Hotline on (08) 9064 7689 which will provide advice on whether or not a harvest ban is in force.

Text message service – Community members to register their mobile number with the Shire by calling 9064 7055.

Adopted Fire Behaviour Index 40 for harvest bans.

Fire Permit Issuing Officers

The following Fire Control Officers (FCO) are authorised Fire Permit Issuing Officers:

  • Murray Dixon – Chief Fire Control Officer 0427 645 026
  • Mitchell Miolini – Deputy Chief Fire Control Officer 0458 000 931
  • Brendan Parsons - Fire Control Officer (East Sector) 0419 854 350
  • Trevor Cole – Fire Control Officer (West Sector) 0428 647 038
  • Mitchell Miolini – Fire Control Officer (North Sector) 0458 000 931
  • Alan Yandle - Fire Control Officer (Central) 0408 945 452
  • Andy Hardham – Fire Control Officer (Central) 0429 647 173

The people listed above can issue burning permits and inform you of the laws and dates in regard to burning and required conditions. 

Fire Control Officers are not obliged to issue permits and they may advise on alternatives to burning. Please remember Fire Control Officers are volunteers and their availability to issue permits may vary. Permits cannot be issued over the phone and should a Fire Control Officer refuse to issue a permit, it is a breach of the Bush Fires Act 1954 to request a permit from another Fire Control Officer.

Fire Permit Application

Before you call a Fire Control Officer, please ensure you have the following information;

  • Have your address ready
  • Have the contact numbers of the three able bodied persons that will be in attendance at all times whilst the fire is alight including contact phone number
  • What fire fighting equipment and resources will you have at the fire front and is it in good working order?
  • What is the size of burn to take place and are materials dry?
  • Are there firebreaks installed and maintained, and can a fire unit get access to the area?
  • What material are you burning? Are there any plastics, tyres, treated woods in the piles or area to be burnt? If so, remove them to a safe place. Remember that you can only burn vegetation.
  • Ensure 72 hours notice is given to the Fire Control Officer first.

Emergency Bushfire Communications Channel

The dedicated Bush Fire Emergency Communication Radio Channel is 5.

Information to Remember for Burning

  • Burning is not permitted prior to 1 February.
  • There are no time restriction for lighting/burning.
  • Chaff Dumps shall be deposited/located no less than 50 metres from the edge of the crop within your property boundary.
  • Chaff Dumps be pushed out to reduce burning times.
  • Consideration should be given to neighbours regarding wind and smoke directions.
  • Consideration should be given to weather conditions.
  • Conditions for Burning in Townsite are located here.
  • All burning is subject to Permit Conditions.

    Please remember that in the event of an emergency call 000.