Burning Periods

EXTENSION OR A SHORTENING OF A BURNING PERIOD

Under Section 17 & 18 of the Bush Fires Act 1954 the Restricted and Prohibited Burning Periods are set by the DFES Commissioner for each Local Government area and can vary significantly locality to locality the specific dates are set in the Government Gazette.

Local Government can shorten or extend these periods to accommodate seasonal changes. This is decided by the Shire of Northam Bushfire Operations Command Committee, and actioned by the Chief Bush Fire Control Officer and the Shire President in consultation with an authorised CALM Act officer.

Should a decision to modify the burning period occur, residents will be notified via the Shire of Northam Emergency SMS System.

To ensure you receive this notification via SMS please click here and follow the prompts. 

The Burning of Garden Refuse

Pursuant to the powers contained in section 24G (2) of the Bush Fires Act 1954, the Shire of Northam prohibits the burning of all garden refuse within its district during the Prohibited Burning Times. This prohibition applies to all persons within the Shire's district.

The burning of garden refuse or rubbish on the ground or in an incinerator that would otherwise be permitted under Section 24F is prohibited absolutely on all land within the district during the Prohibited Burning Time.

Pursuant to the powers contained in Section 24G (2) of the Bush Fires Act 1954, the Shire of Northam PROHIBITS the burning of all 1m3 piles of garden refuse/rubbish on the ground or in an incinerator that would otherwise be permitted under Section 24F within its district during the Autumn Restricted Burning Period (1st March - 30th April).
All garden refuse/rubbish should be taken to the tip or disposed of in a manner other than burning.

Properties within a Gazetted Townsite are permitted to burn during the Unrestricted Burning Period only.

The burning of garden refuse or rubbish on the ground or in an incinerator that would otherwise be permitted under Section 24F is prohibited on all land under 2000m² (square metres or within the gazetted townsites of Northam & Wundowie) in size during the Restricted Burning Period, without a Fire Permit issued under Regulation 15 of the Bush Fires Act 1954. 

(Permits will only be issued to fire brigades to conduct controlled burns).

All garden refuse should be taken to the tip or disposed of in another manner, other than burning. 

Properties over 2000m² & outside a gazetted townsite may burn small piles between 6pm and 11pm during the Spring Restricted Burning Period without a permit

During the Restricted Burning Time, residents on land that is greater than 2,000m² in area it is permissible to undertake the burning of garden refuse (dry leaves, small branches, off cuts, etc.) in separate piles on the ground no larger than 1.0 m³ between the hours of 18:00 (6pm) and 23:00 (11pm) by complying with all the conditions of section 24F (3) in the Bush Fires Act 1954.

All burns must be registered with the DFES Communications Centre on 9395 9209.

Permits Required during the  Restricted Burning Period if the burn does not fit into the categories above 

During the Restricted Burning Time, residents of the Shire may burn the bush for fire mitigation purposes by following the conditions of a valid permit to burn.

Cooking Fires During the Prohibited Burning Period

Pursuant to the powers contained in section 25H (1) of the Bush Fires Act 1954, the Shire of Northam prohibits the lighting of a fire in the open air for the purpose of camping or cooking during the prohibited period, this prohibition applies to all persons within the Shire's district.

For the purposes of this section (1aa) a gas appliance, comprising a fire the flame of which is encapsulated by the appliance and which does not consume solid fuel, shall not be taken to be a fire in the open air.

An appliance that burns a solid fuel, (BBQ, Pizza Oven, Meat Smoker etc.) cannot be operated on days of “VERY HIGH”, “EXTREME” or “CATASTROPHIC” fire danger rating.

• Any chimney on the appliance must be fitted with a suitable spark arrestor that is maintained in a clean, sound and efficient condition.

• If solid fuel is being consumed, then the burning fuel must be sealed from the open air by a secure, sealable door.

• Appliance must not be left unattended and a reticulated water supply must be available for immediate use.

Take notice a person/s who contravenes a of this section is guilty of an offence that carries a penalty of $3,000