Find out how to apply for a Permit to Light Fire and the rules you must follow.
Step 1 – check for fire bans
Make sure there are no fire bans in place.
Step 2 – check local council restrictions
Check with your local council for any local restrictions, or if you need permission.
Step 3 – contact your neighbours
Contact your neighbours and let them know you are applying for a permit.
Write down the time you contact them on the application form and note if they have or have not objected. If your neighbours do object to the permit, they should contact the local Fire Warden.
You need to make reasonable attempts to contact your neighbours. Give them 72 hours or 3 days warning before you submit your application.
This notification period gives neighbours time to contact the Fire Warden with any concerns such as:
- request to be notified prior to lighting the fire to prepare their property. They may need to move livestock, close windows, or be ready in case the fire escapes.
- request the fire is not lit on a certain day, during particular times or under certain wind conditions to prevent smoke nuisance.
If the applicant or neighbour is unsatisfied with a Fire Warden’s decision in relation to a permit application, they can appeal to the Chief Fire Warden.
If you cannot contact your neighbours, please write this down on the form.
Step 4 – complete application
Complete both sides the application form (PDF, 554KB).
Draw your property and burn in the grid on the back of the form. Include as much detail as you can such as the location of the fire, fire breaks, water source, roads and tracks, and any structures on neighbouring properties.
Application for Permit to Light Fire (PDF, 938 KB, with instructions on how to complete)
Step 5 – submit
Contact your local fire warden to submit your application.
Fire Wardens can approve or refuse a permit in their fire warden district. They cannot issue a permit outside of their district.
What happens next?
The Fire Warden will review your application. They might:
- Request further information about your property, your intended burn, how you intend to manage the fire, and what experience you have had with fire.
- Organise to visit your property.
- Provide advice on aspects of the intended fire.
- Confirm that you have notified adjoining owners/occupiers of your plans to have a fire with sufficient notice.
Once the Fire Warden has completed the assessment, they will grant or refuse a permit.
If the permit is granted, you will be provided with a copy. The Fire Warden will also explain the conditions of the permit and may offer you other information and advice.
A permit can be refused if the Fire Warden believes the fire will be unsafe or if you have not given your neighbours enough time to raise any concerns. If refused, the Fire Warden will give you written reasons. You can correct any issues and re-apply or discuss the application with the Chief Fire Warden.
Obligations and responsibilities of permit holders
A permit is a legal document and can only be issued by a Chief Fire Warden or Fire Warden in their area of responsibility. It authorises a person to light, maintain and use a fire only on the land described on the permit, during set times, and in accordance with the conditions identified by the Fire Warden.
A Fire Warden can change, cancel, or suspend a permit at any time.
Permit holders must:
- Be aware of any fire bans or restrictions that could limit or ban
- Have the permit in their possession before lighting the fire
- Comply with all conditions on the permit, and
- Not change anything on a permit without the consent of the Fire Warden.
Protection from liability
Under the Act, if a person complies with the conditions and directions contained within the permit, they will not incur any liability at common law for any loss, injury or damage caused by the fire, unless it can be shown that they have acted recklessly or maliciously.
Once your fire permit is approved, you must follow all permit conditions when lighting and managing the fire.