Important Dates

You may obtain a fire permit to burn by contacting the City of Kalamunda on (08) 9257 9999 from Monday to Friday:  8:30am - 5:00pm

Residents can still legally burn a garden refuse pile without a fire permit. This should not exceed 1 cubic meter (1m x 1m x 1m), between 6pm and out by 11pm fully extinguished by midnight.

Fire Permit conditions are as follows -

• Weather conditions are not dangerous
• that a means of extinguishing the fire is available,
  • ensure appropriate firebreaks or hazard reduction around burn area,
  • all neighbours are notified, and an adult remains in attendance of the fire at all times.
  • Fire is properly extinguished to avoid re-ignition

    It is the responsibility of all residents wanting to burn to check weather conditions and always ensure no burning is to occur if:

• NO burning when a Total Fire Ban has been declared
• NO burning when the Fire Danger Rating is Very High or above
• NO burning when winds exceed 15km/h

Hints for planned burning:

• Planned burning under mild and stable weather conditions means the fire burns more slowly and with lower flame heights.
• Fires burn more rapidly when moving up a slope. For every 10 degree increase in uphill slope, a fire will double its speed and intensity.
• When undertaking a planned burn, fires should be lit at the top of a slope to burn downwards and against the wind.
• If you plan to burn, check the weather first. Wind speed, wind direction and relative humidity will all affect your burn.
• Only burn when winds are between 5 and 20km/h. (Subject to local permit conditions)
• Check when it last rained – it’s ideal to burn 2 days after significant rainfall (5 millimetres or greater), but no more than 10 days.
• After your burn, check the area several times a day for at least 2 days, longer if the weather becomes hotter, drier or windier.
• Your burn may continue to smoulder for several days and could potentially reignite and start a bushfire. Monitor the area until you are confident that the burn is completely extinguished.

Note:
The Fire Control Officers are City Staff and availability to issue permits may vary in some instances, including attending emergencies within your community. Please assist them by planning early your permit requirements.

Permit are not required to burn.

If you are going to burn please consider the following -

• Weather conditions are not dangerous
• that a means of extinguishing the fire is available,
  • ensure appropriate firebreaks or hazard reduction around burn area,
  • all neighbours are notified, and an adult remains in attendance of the fire at all times.
  • Fire is properly extinguished to avoid re-ignition or escaping

    It is the responsibility of all residents wanting to burn to check weather conditions and always ensure no burning is to occur if:

• NO lighting in winds exceeding 20km/h
• Light winds can aid in dispersing smoke, but take care that the direction of the wind does not blow the smoke across roads or highways, causing further hazards.

Hints for planned burning:

• Planned burning under mild and stable weather conditions means the fire burns more slowly and with lower flame heights.
• Fires burn more rapidly when moving up a slope. For every 10 degree increase in uphill slope, a fire will double its speed and intensity.
• When undertaking a planned burn, fires should be lit at the top of a slope to burn downwards and against the wind.
• If you plan to burn, check the weather first. Wind speed, wind direction and relative humidity will all affect your burn.
• Only burn when winds are between 5 and 20km/h. (Subject to local permit conditions)
• Check when it last rained – it’s ideal to burn 2 days after significant rainfall (5 millimetres or greater), but no more than 10 days.
• After your burn, check the area several times a day for at least 2 days, longer if the weather becomes hotter, drier or windier.
• Your burn may continue to smoulder for several days and could potentially reignite and start a bushfire. Monitor the area until you are confident that the burn is completely extinguished.

Note:
Always give your neighbours plenty of notice of your intention to burn. Advance notice gives your neighbours time to get the washing off the line and/or make arrangements for anyone with respiratory issues who may be badly affected by smoke. You should also be prepared to reschedule your burn in the event that a neighbour has planned an outside activity on the same day. Events like children’s birthday parties or family gatherings can be spoiled by smoke nuisance so be prepared to be flexible.

Caution:

The City of Kalamunda Health Service is responsible for maintaining public health standards within the community. Environmental Health Officers undertake a variety of statutory and non-statutory activities in order to ensure that the health of both residents and visitors is preserved. Where complaints regarding smoke nuisances are reported, the situation will be promptly investigated and may result in infringement or prosecution.

Burning material at any time which creates a smoke nuisance is an offence under the Health Act, Local Government Act 1995, and Keeping and Control of Animals and Nuisance Local Law 2011, Part 3. An owner or occupier of lands shall not set fire to or allow to be set on fire any rubbish, refuse or material other than dry green waste without the written approval of the Local Government. Pallets, tyres and CCA treated timber must not be burnt at any time.

CONSIDER ALTERNATIVES TO BURNING OFF

• Green Waste Wheelie Bin: All garden refuse can be placed in your green top wheelie bin to a maximum of 70kg. (PROHIBITED: hot and cold ashes, rocks, soil, liquids, solvents and heavy materials that overload or damage the bin.)

• Free Skip Bins: Residents are entitled to three free skip bins each year, in any combination of green and general waste bins. The waste from green skip bins is mulched and reused, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill. Find more information here

• Walliston Transfer Station: City of Kalamunda residents do not pay fees for the non-commercial use of the Walliston Transfer Station.Find out more including the operating hours here.

Requirements listed in the Fire Hazard Reduction Notice must be in place before 1 November each year and maintained up to 31 March the following year. Dates may be amended, subject to prevailing seasonal conditions.

Fire Hazard Reduction Notice

ALL burning is prohibited during this period including burning garden waste or lighting fires in the open air.

Burning is also prohibited when the Fire Danger Ratings (FDR) are very high or above and if a Total Fire Ban or a Harvest, Hot Works and Vehicle Movement Ban is declared.

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Report suspicious behaviour

If you have any information about a fire or suspect somebody of deliberately lighting fires, please call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Ongoing vigilance by the community in reporting suspicious behaviour and arson will help minimise the likelihood of bushfire.

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