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Fire Permits

Means a “Permit to Burn the Bush” as issued by an Authorised Officer under section 18 of the Bush Fires Act 1954.

  • Applications for Permits are available from at no cost.
  • You must comply with all conditions imposed by the Shire or an Authorised Officer in respect of any Permit issued by the Shire.
  • Permits will not be valid on days of “HIGH”, “EXTREME”, “CATASTROPHIC” fire danger.
  • Permits may also be revoked if in the opinion of an authorised officer the conditions are not deemed suitable for prescribed burns.

Applying for a Fire Permit

During the Restricted Burning Period, a permit can only be obtained from the Shire website. By clicking on the link below, you will go to a new window and please follow the direction on the form. If possible, please provide a screen shot of your property and the location of where the burn is happening to avoid delays. This can be from either Google Maps or Landgate Map Viewer Plus If this is not supplied, a Shire of Northam officer will ring you to ask you for that information. 

APPLY FOR PERMIT HERE

Permits will only be issued for a legitimate mitigation outcome or for primary producer requirements prior to seeding. Once your permit is granted, all conditions on the permits must be strictly adhered to, breaching of permit conditions can result in fines or prosecution. Permits will have a maximum 7 day duration, if you require an extension, please contact the Shire of Northam Emergency Services Office for more information.

Permits will not be issued for social occasions or burning of rubbish. Failing to obtain a permit will result in fines or prosecution.

During the March 1st - April 30th (Autumn) Restricted Burning Period, permits will only be issued to primary producers for crop preparation purposes only unless otherwise notified.

Current Fire Permits within the Shire of Northam

Please call the Shire of Northam for Fire Permit information 9622 6100

Before you call 000 to report a fire check the up to date list of burn offs in your area by visiting www.emergency.wa.gov.au

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 under 2000m2 or in a Gazetted Townsite are permitted to burn in 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) in size during the Restricted Burning Time, 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 Can 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 in Restricted 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.

Fire Danger Ratings

For information on what the Fire Danger Ratings mean, and how they may impact you, please view the video below. 

The Fire Danger Fact Sheet will provide you with further information