Open Air Burning

bonfire
  • Considering burning off on your property?
  • Want to know if you need a permit to burn off?
  • Before you burn off, check what is and isn't allowed at different times of year on your property. 

The Shire’s Open Air Burning Local Law applies to all residents. Eligibility to burn off is based on the size of the property. 

Download: Community Amenity Local Law - Open Air Burning(PDF, 691KB)
Download: Open Air Burning Fact File(PDF, 189KB)

In the event of an emergency always contact Triple Zero (000) 

I am on land of less than 1,500 square metres, can I burn off?

NO, Open Air Burning IS NOT permitted on land of this size unless it is for:

  • A barbecue, pizza oven, or other properly constructed appliance while it is being used for cooking food;
  • A fire in a brazier or chiminea while it is being used for heating;
  • A tool of trade while being used for the purpose for which it was designed.

Any Open Air Burning would require landowners to obtain a permit to burn from Council; these will only be issued in very specific circumstances.


I am on land of more than 1,500 square metres - can I burn off?


Yes, Open Air Burning is permitted on Fridays and Saturdays between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm provided that:

  • No more than 10 cubic metres of vegetation is burnt at any one time;
  • The fire is more than 10 metres from any neighbouring dwelling;
  • General Fire Safety Provisions are followed at all times.

General Fire Safety Provisions

  • Give notice to your neighbours that you are burning off
  • Log your burn off by calling 1800 668 511 (to prevent unnecessary attendance by CFA or the Mornington Peninsula Shire Rangers)
  • Ensure the fire is supervised at all times
  • Ensure you have sufficient fire protection equipment on site at all times
  • Ensure the vegetation is dead and dry prior to lighting
  • Establish a fire break of no less than 3 metres cleared of all flammable materials
  • Ensure at the site of the fire the wind speed does not exceed 20 kilometres per hour

Residents who do not follow the Open Air Burning Local Law may be subject to penalties.


I am on land of more than 40,000 square metres - can I burn off?

Yes, Open Air Burning is permitted provided that:

  • No more than 100 cubic metres of vegetation is burnt at any one time;
  • The fire is more than 100 metres from any neighbouring dwelling;
  • General Fire Safety Provisions are followed at all times below.

General Fire Safety Provisions

  • Give notice to your neighbours that you are burning off
  • Log your burn off by calling 1800 668 511 (to prevent unnecessary attendance by CFA or the Mornington Peninsula Shire Rangers)
  • Ensure the fire is supervised at all times
  • Ensure you have sufficient fire protection equipment on site at all times
  • Ensure the vegetation is dead and dry prior to lighting
  • Establish a fire break of no less than 3 metres cleared of all flammable materials
  • Ensure at the site of the fire the wind speed does not exceed 20 kilometres per hour

Residents who do not follow the Open Air Burning Local Law may be subject to penalties.


Permit to burn application


Open Air Burning outside of these general regulations will require landowners to apply for a permit. 

To apply for a Permit to Burn, please download and complete the Permit to Burn Application(DOC, 102KB) form. 

For more information or to discuss your eligibility for a Permit to Burn please contact the Environment Protection Unit on 5950 1050.

Fire Danger Period

The next fire danger period will be announced after October 2023.

Please visit the CFA's website for up to date information. 

Report an Illegal Burn Off and more information

For more information on Total Fire Bans, Fire Restrictions and Fire Ratings please visit the CFA's website or contact the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.

Still have questions? Contact the Shire for more information. 

 

 

 

 

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