Bushfire prevention

When you submit an online application for a fire permit, approval requirements will depend on the conditions of your burn.  Most fire permits will be approved and emailed to you automatically if the burn area is smaller than 30sq metres and does not involve running fire or additional equipment. For larger, more complicated burns, a Bushfire Control Officer will review your request, and once approved, will email you a signed copy of your permit. Once you have received your signed copy, you will then be able to begin your burning as per your permit conditions.

Permits to burn may be obtained:

• In person from: City of Wanneroo Civic Centre, 23 Dundebar Road, Wanneroo - Monday to Friday // 9am - 4pm
• Via our online application form

For further information and guidelines on planning and implementing planned burns on your property, please visit Burn Smart on the Department of Fire and Emergency Services website.

Important dates for burning

• NO RESTRICTIONS - 1 JUNE to 31 AUGUST ANNUALLY (No permit required)
• RESTRICTED BURNING - 1 SEPTEMBER to 30 NOVEMBER ANNUALLY (Permit required)
• PROHIBITED PERIOD - 10 NOVEMBER 2023 to 31 MARCH 2024 INCLUSIVE, DAYS WHERE A FIRE BAN IS IN PLACE, FIRE DANGER RATING OF 'HIGH' OR ABOVE (No burning. Permits will not be issued)
• RESTRICTED BURNING - 1 APRIL to 31 MAY ANNUALLY (Permit required) 

PROHIBITED BURNING PERIODS

10 November 2023 to 31 March 2024 (subject to change)

ALL burning is prohibited during this period including burning garden waste or lighting fires in the open air for the purpose of camping or cooking. The following exemptions apply:

• Pizza ovens fitted with a spark arrestor; and
• Purpose built solid fuel BBQs (barbeques) such as Webbers.

These may still be used at a person’s home as long as they are located more than 3 metres away from bush and inflammable material. These exemptions are not valid if a Total Fire Ban or Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban has been declared. 

ALL BURNING IS PROHIBITED ON DAYS OF HIGH OR ABOVE FIRE DANGER RATINGS AND IF A TOTAL FIRE BAN OR A HARVEST, HOT WORKS AND VEHICLE MOVEMENT BAN IS DECLARED. 

RESTRICTED BURNING PERIODS

Permits are required between 1 April to 31 May and 1 September to 30 November (subject to change).

Permits to burn may be obtained:

• In person from: City of Wanneroo Civic Centre, 23 Dundebar Road, Wanneroo - Monday to Friday // 9am - 4pm
• Via our online application form

The City of Wanneroo may need to vary burning periods due to weather conditions. Period variations will be advertised on the City website, Facebook page and through the City's SMS notification service.

Burning garden refuse

Garden refuse may be burnt WITHOUT A PERMIT during the restricted burning period, ensuring the following is adhered to:

• The fire is lit between 6pm and 11pm and is completely extinguished before midnight of the same day.
• The material must be on the ground, and be no more than 1 metre wide and 1 metre high.
• There is no flammable material (other than that being burned) within 5 metres of the fire at any time.
• At least one able-bodied person is present at the site of the fire at all times until it is completely extinguished by the application of water.
• Only one heap may be burnt at any one time.
• The Fire Danger Rating is not High, Extreme or Catastrophic, nor has a Total Fire Ban been declared. 
• Your neighbours have been informed that you will be burning material.
• A hose or spray pack is kept at hand to dampen down fierce fires.

Garden refuse may be burnt WITHOUT A PERMIT from 1 June to 31 August, and while there are no size or time restrictions when burning during this period, the City recommends you contact your neighbours and Department of Fire and Emergency Services on 9395 9209 or 9395 9210.

Please take care and be safe.

Fire pits

A fire pit is permitted WITHOUT A PERMIT during the restricted burning period, ensuring the following is adhered to: 

• The fire is lit between 6pm and 11pm, and is completely extinguished before midnight of the same day.
• The fire pit must be no more than 1 metre wide and 1 metre high. Fires over this size will require a FIRE PERMIT during the restricted burning periods.
• Only one fire pit may be burnt at any one time.  If more than one fire pit is being used at any one time a FIRE PERMIT is required.
• Fire pits are NOT to be used if the Fire Danger Rating is High, Extreme or Catastrophic, and/or if a Total Fire Ban has been declared.
• Strong wind warnings issued by the Bureau of Meteorology must be taken into account to ensure the fire does not cause excessive smoke. 

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Important dates for burning

• NO RESTRICTIONS - 1 JUNE to 31 AUGUST ANNUALLY (No permit required)
• RESTRICTED BURNING - 1 SEPTEMBER to 30 NOVEMBER ANNUALLY (Permit required)
• PROHIBITED PERIOD - 10 NOVEMBER 2023 to 31 MARCH 2024 INCLUSIVE, DAYS WHERE A FIRE BAN IS IN PLACE, FIRE DANGER RATING OF 'HIGH' OR ABOVE (No burning. Permits will not be issued)
• RESTRICTED BURNING - 1 APRIL to 31 MAY ANNUALLY (Permit required) 

Everyone can take responsibility for reducing fire hazards in the community. Keep smart this hot season by following some simple steps to keep your home and community safe. These precautions are just as important in the suburbs as they are in rural zones:

• Ensure you have installed smoke detectors in your home and they are in working order.
• Clear all vegetation, rubbish and flammable material away from the walls of your home as they may fuel a fire. A simple tip to remember is to create at 20 metre circle of safety around your home free from all these items.
• All firewood, timber, petrol and kerosene will also need to be stored well away from your home.
• Winter brings in the fallen leaves and debris, so as summer begins, clean your gutters out, trim branches away from the house and ensure trees are not growing near buildings.

If you live in bush or near scrub there are additional steps you must take to prepare your property.

Other points to remember:

• Water supply is not guaranteed during a bushfire.
• Power supply is not guaranteed during a bushfire.
• Saving life will be a priority over saving property so expect to be evacuated.
• Once evacuated, access to affected areas may not be possible for several days.
• Water bombing by aircraft cannot be guaranteed in bushfire.
• SMS warnings are advice only and may not be timely.

During fire emergencies, updated emergency information will be available on the Department of Fire and Emergency Services website at the Emergency WA website and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services website.

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A firebreak means a strip of land which has been cleared of all flammable material such as wood, leaves and grass that is likely to be ignited and capable of burning.  It must be trafficable, meaning it must be accessible by a fire appliance and cleared of vegetation to a maximum height of 50mm, without any obstruction to the vehicle.  A firebreak cannot terminate or lead to a dead end. 

While firebreaks do not actually stop fires or prevent them, they do provide vehicle access for firefighters during a bushfire and assist with the prevention of fires spreading.  

Land owners can clear firebreaks by ploughing, grading, cultivating, scarifying, raking, burning and chemical spraying (reticulated and maintained green lawn is acceptable as a fire break). 

FIREBREAKS MUST BE IN PLACE BY 1 NOVEMBER EACH YEAR AND MAINTAINED UNTIL 30 APRIL THE FOLLOWING YEAR.  

This is a requirement under the Bush Fires Act 1954 Section 33.  

The City of Wanneroo conducts firebreak inspections from 1 November each year.  Failure to comply may incur penalties of up to $5000 and the works required will be carried out by the City of Wanneroo at the expense of the owner/occupier.

Fire management requirements for land LESS than 4000m²

• Maintain grasses and flammable materials with the exception of living trees on the entire property to a height of no more than 50 millimetres.  The entire property is required to be maintained below 50 millimetres from 1 November each year until 30 April the following year OR
• A 3 metre wide trafficable fire break as close as possible to all external boundaries of the property must be installed by 1 November each year and maintained until 30 April the following year
• If it is not possible to install the fire break adjacent to the external boundary of the property due to naturally occurring obstacles, it is acceptable to install the fire break around the obstacle.  If this requires the fire break to be greater than 5 metres away from the external boundary, a fire break variation is required.  
• Ensure a minimum vertical clearance of 4 metres is maintained along the fire breaks to enable vehicles to drive along the fire breaks without access being obstructed.
• Where a property is affected by an approved bushfire management plan, property owners must still comply with all requirements in the Fire Break Notice and with any additional requirements outlined within that plan.
• Additional mitigation work may be required by a Fire Control Officer to maintain a 20 metre asset protection zone around buildings.

Fire management requirements for land GREATER than 4000m²

• A 3 metre wide trafficable fire break as close as possible to all external boundaries of the property must be installed by 1 November each year and maintained until 30 April the following year
• If it is not possible to install the fire break adjacent to the external boundary of the property due to naturally occurring obstacles, it is acceptable to install the fire break around the obstacle.  If this requires the fire break to be greater than 5 metres away from the external boundary, a fire break variation is required.  
• Ensure a minimum vertical clearance of 4 metres is maintained along the fire breaks to enable vehicles to drive along the fire breaks without access being obstructed;
• Install and maintain a 20 metre bare earth area around all hay stacks and fuel storage. 
• Where a property is affected by an approved bushfire management plan, property owners must still comply with all requirements in the Fire Mitigation Notice and with any additional requirements outlined within that plan.
• Additional mitigation work may be required by a Fire Control Officer to maintain a 20 metre asset protection zone around buildings.

All vacant land GREATER than 4000m²

• A 3 metre wide trafficable fire break as close as possible to all external boundaries of the property must be installed by 1 November each year and maintained until 30 April the following year.
• Ensure a minimum vertical clearance of 4 metres is maintained along the fire breaks to ensure vehicles can drive along the fire breaks without being impeded by tree branches.
• If the land is an area of 50,000m² (5 hectares) or greater, the grass must be maintained on the land to a height no greater than 50mm for a distance of 10m from any fire break.  

How to check your property size

Fire mitigation requirements are dependent on your property size. Visit the City's mapping system and follow the steps below to check the size of your property:

Visit the City's GIS mapping system. Select 'I accept' and then click on 'Continue'

Click on 'House Search'.

Type in your property address and click on 'Search'. Your property size will be displayed in the column on the right-hand side of the screen under 'Area'. It will be displayed in square metres (M) or hectares (H).

Application to vary the above requirements

If it is considered impracticable for any reason to implement any of the above requirements, an application for a fire break variation must be made no later than 18th October of each year to the City of Wanneroo for permission to provide alternative fire mitigation measures and will remain in effect unless significant changes to the property occur or the City of Wanneroo revokes the variation.

If permission is not granted, the above requirements must be complied with.  

Apply for a Firebreak Variation

Firebreak Notice and information

Frequently asked questions

I live in a residential area, does the Fire Mitigation Notice apply to me?
Yes.  All property owners must comply with the Fire Mitigation Notice.  This is a requirement under the Bush Fires Act 1954.

Most properties under 1000sqm will automatically comply if dead leaves and twigs have been cleared, trees and shrubs are pruned and lawns are kept short and green where possible.

Visit the DFES Know Your Risk page to help understand your bushfire risk.  

How will inspections be carried out? 
Inspections will be carried out by trained Fire Control Officers who are authorised to enter a property by foot, vehicle, quad bike and/or drone. 

Do I need a Bushfire Survival Plan?
If you live within the City of Wanneroo, the chances are you either live in or near bushland.  Almost all of the City has been classified as having high to extreme risk of bushfire.  

Your best chance of surviving a bushfire is to plan what you would do if one was to come your way.  Prepare your plan, discuss and share it with members of your household/network and test it.  

For further information on how to prepare a Bushfire Survival Plan, visit DFES.  

I am concerned my neighbour’s property is not compliant, what can I do?
All properties are required to be compliant by 1 November and maintained in that state until 30 April each year.  

If you think your neighbour’s property does not comply with the requirements as outlined in the Fire Mitigation Notice, please let the City know by calling 9405 5000.  

Remember, even if your neighbour’s property is compliant or non-complaint, you still need to have a Bushfire Survival Plan if you live in a bushfire prone area.  

I own a vacant lot, do I need a firebreak?
A 3 metre wide trafficable firebreak as close as possible to all external boundaries of the property must be installed by 1 November each year and maintained until 30 April the following year.  

I am unable to meet the requirements outlined in the Fire Mitigation Notice, what should I do?
If it is considered impracticable for any reason to implement any of the requirements in the Fire Mitigation Notice, an application for a firebreak variation must be made to the City of Wanneroo by no later than 18 October of each year.  

If permission is provided for alternative fire mitigation measures, it will remain in effect unless significant changes to the property occur or the City of Wanneroo revokes the variation. If permission is not granted, the requirements of this Notice must be complied with.  

Visit wanneroo.wa.gov.au/firebreakvariation to apply for a variation.  

When does the City conduct property inspections and which properties will they inspect?  
The City conducts property inspections from 1 November each year on properties that are classified as high risk.  

The fire risk on a property is determined by a number of factors.  The higher the risk factors that apply to a property, the more fire protection measures are needed.  

Factors determining risk levels include the length of the fire season, how steep any slope is, how much vegetation exists and how dry it is, how often bushfires have occurred in the area and finally, how good and accessible existing roads are.  

What will happen if a property is non-compliant?
If a property owner has failed to meet the requirements outlined in the Fire Mitigation Notice, they will be fined $250 and be required to carry out necessary work.

Continued failure to comply may incur penalties of up to $5,000.  Works required will be completed by the City at the expense of the owner/occupier.

Requirements in the Fire Mitigation Notice have been updated recently.  Why has this changed?
Firebreaks are now required to have a minimum vertical clearance of 4 metres.  This has been introduced to allow for larger firefighting vehicles to access property and protect it.  

For land greater than 4000sqm, a 20 metre bare earth area around all hay stacks and/or fuel storage needs to be installed and maintained.  This will provide sufficient space and safety for firefighters to perform bushfire suppression activities and avoid a fire gaining greater intensity and flame length.  

Where can I learn more about preparing my property and home for bushfire?  

• Visit the City’s website wanneroo.wa.gov.au/fireinformation. 
• Sign up to the City’s biannual Emergency Management eNews.  
• Refer to Bushfire Preparation Toolkit issued by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services for all you need to know about preparing your home and property for fire.

Additional works

In addition to the requirements of the Fire Mitigation Notice, further works may need to be carried out to reduce the risk of bushfire which are considered necessary by a City of Wanneroo Authorised Officer and in line with the City’s Bushfire Risk Management Plan.  Landowners who need to carry out further works will be notified via a separate letter to the address of the owner/s as shown on the City of Wanneroo rates record for the relevant land.  

The City strongly recommends creating a 20 metre asset protection zone around buildings. 

For further information call the City of Wanneroo Community Safety and Emergency Management Team on 9405 5000

A compliant fire break needs to be 3m wide and trafficable with a vertical clearance of not less than 4m.

This non-compliant fire break shows grass/weed regrowth and no vertical 4m clearance.

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What are the fire ratings and what do they mean?

Moderate: Plan and prepare.

High: Be ready to act.

Extreme: Take action now to protect life and property.

Catastrophic: For your survival, leave bushfire risk areas.

The white bar across the bottom left (under Moderate) indicates when there is no fire danger rating.

Fire Behaviour Index

The Fire Behaviour Index is a numerical index that provides a scale of potential fire behaviour based on weather conditions. The table below shows the revised ratings, colours and corresponding Fire Behaviour Index of the AFDRS.

For further information visit the DFES website.

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Information on why you should do planned burns, and when planned burning takes place, can be found on the DFES website.

Requesting Brigade to burn off on private property

Use the form below to request a hazard reduction burn by the Bush Fire Brigades.

• Request for Brigade Burning on Private Property form

Please email completed forms to: cesmwanneroo@dfes.wa.gov.au 

For any queries contact the Chief Bush Fire Control Officer on 0428 101 132.

Bushfire smoke and your health

Smoke from bushfires can exacerbate asthma and other respiratory conditions and can cause a cough, shortness of breath and irritate the eyes, nose and throat.

If there is a prescribed burn in your area, try to minimise your exposure to smoke by:

• Staying inside and keeping doors and windows closed
• Turning off air-conditioners
• People with conditions exacerbated by smoke should take precautions in line with their medical advice for these circumstances

For more information visit the Department of Health website.

Planned prescribed burns 2023

Suburb	Reserve Name	Address	Progress
Alkimos	Broadford Park	15 Santorini Promenade, Alkimos	COMPLETE
Alkimos	Windlass Park	13 Windlass Way, Alkimos	COMPLETE
Banksia Grove	Discovery Park	2k Botanic Avenue, Banksia Grove	COMPLETE
Banksia Grove	Celadon Park	80 Celadon Loop, Banksia Grove	COMPLETE
Banksia Grove	Viridian Park	99 Viridian Drive, Banksia Grove	COMPLETE
Butler	Manningtree Park	250 Camborne Parkway, Butler	COMPLETE
Darch	Appleby Park	37 Appleby Drive, Darch	COMPLETE
Girrawheen	Montrose Park	40 Montrose Avenue, Girrawheen	COMPLETE
Koondoola	Koondoola A Reserve	380 Marangaroo Drive, Koondoola	COMPLETE
Landsdale	Thaxter Park	7 Thaxter Road, Landsdale	COMPLETE
Madeley	Susan Park	11 Susan Road, Madeley	COMPLETE
Tapping	Waldburg Park	2 Waldburg Drive, Tapping	COMPLETE
Two Rocks	Cassilda Park	49 Cassilda Way, Two Rocks
Two Rocks	Whitfield Park	69f Whitfield Drive, Two Rocks
Wanneroo	Belgrade Park	92 Belgrade Road, Wanneroo	COMPLETE
Wanneroo	Lake Badgerup	259 Benmuni Road, Wanneroo	COMPLETE

 

Click below for information on the type of fire ban that may occur within the City of Wanneroo. 

• Total Fire Bans
• Harvest, Hot Works and Vehicle Movement Bans

Total Fire Bans

The following fire safety information is effective from 1 December to 31 March each year, however this is subject to seasonal conditions and may change. 

For up to date information on Total Fire Bans in Western Australia, please see the Department of Fire and Emergency Service’s (DFES) website.

A 24 hour information line about total fire bans is available on 1800 709 355.

Below are answers to popular questions about total fire bans.

Can I use my BBQ? 
Only gas powered BBQ's can be used during a total fire ban (TFB). During a total fire ban (TFB) or hotworks and vehicle movement ban 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.

Can I use 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 (coal) like BBQs.

Can I use gas?
Yes. You can use a gas BBQ for cooking if it has an enclosed flame and all flammable material is cleared five meters away from around your BBQ. Hort green grass less than five centimeters in height, paving stones, bricks and reticulated gardens are not considered to be flammable. The City of Wanneroo 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.

Can I use electric BBQs?
Yes. You can use an electric BBQ where there is no flame.

Can I use my wood fired pizza oven?
No. You cannot burn solid fuels such as wood or charcoal in the open air. This includes outdoor wood fired pizza ovens. 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.

Can I use equipment and machinery (e.g. bobcats, excavators, bulldozers etc)?
No. In bush or in areas of crop, pasture or stubble, equipment and machinery cannot be used if a harvest and vehicle movement ban has been implemented by your local government.

Can I do grinding, welding, or other forms of "hot works" in the open air?
No. You cannot use a welder or power operated abrasive cutting discs of any kind in the open air due to the risks of sparks starting a fire. This includes grinding, soldering, gas cutting and all other forms of “hot works”.

Can I use a chainsaw, plant or grass trimmer, or lawn mower?
Not in bush land or grassland areas of fire risk. These activities can be undertaken in suburban or built up areas which are cleared of flammable material, but not in bush land or other areas where their use is likely to cause fire.

Can I use a grinder, welder or power tools inside my shed?
Possibly. This depends on the type of shed you are working from. You cannot use any of these if your shed has one or more open sides that are exposed to the weather. There is a risk that winds can blow sparks, which may then ignite flammable material. You can use these tools inside your shed if it is fully enclosed on all sides and has a door and roof to prevent sparks from escaping.Please be aware of general safety risks when working in enclosed spaces, including the risk of fumes.

Can I drive a 4WD offroad (e.g. through bushland) for recreational purposes?
No. During a total fire ban or harvest and vehicle movement and hotworks ban you cannot use a vehicle in bush or a paddock. You can only use a vehicle on a road, track or in an area that has been sufficiently cleared of flammable material. Remember if your vehicle catches fire and spreads to the bush, you are responsible and have broken the law.

Can I ride my motorbike, motocross bike or quad bike through bush or in a paddock?
No. During a total fire ban or harvest and vehicle movement and hotworks 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.

Cigarettes, cigars, tobacco and matches

Discarding a burning cigarette, cigar, tobacco or match is considered to be an activity that causes, or is likely to cause, a fire. Under the Bush Fires Act 1954, inappropriate disposal of a burning cigarette, cigar,tobacco or match during restricted and prohibited burning times attracts a penalty of $5,000.

During a total fire ban, any person who disposes of burning tobacco, or a burning cigarette, cigar or match in circumstances that is likely to set fire to the bush, including by throwing it from a vehicle, could face a fine of $25,000 and/or 12 months in jail.

Harvest, Hot Works and Vehicle Movement Bans

ACTIVITIES NOT PERMITTED DURING THE PERIOD OF THIS BAN 

• Harvesting operations are not permitted, 
• Any “hot works” (e.g. welding, grinding, cutting, heating etc) in the “open air” are not permitted, (note—these activities are not permitted during the term of any Total Fire Ban).
• Other – Use or operation of any engine, vehicle, plant, equipment or machinery in the area likely to cause a bush fire or contribute to the spread of a bush fire.

ACTIVITIES PERMITTED DURING THE PERIOD OF THIS BAN 

• Movement of Vehicles on “gazetted roads” (as described in Bush Fires regulation 24A(1) and Road Traffic Act 1974 section 5.1). 
• Movement of vehicles on a lane, driveway, yard or other area that provides access to, or a parking facility at, any residential, farming or business premises, if the area has been sufficiently cleared of inflammable material to prevent the escape of fire.
• Use or operation of a vehicle if it is for the prevention of an immediate and serious risk to the health or safety of a person or livestock, and only if all reasonable precautions have been taken to prevent the activity from creating a bush fire danger. 
• Use or operations of vehicles and undertaking of “hot works” by those persons holding a current Exemption under Bush Fires Act 1954 s. 22C (Exemption from Total Fire Bans)

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