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Fire Bans

Total Fire Bans

A Total Fire Ban (TFB) is declared by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) on days when fires are most likely to threaten lives and property.

During a Total Fire Ban, it is illegal to light an open-air fire or conduct any activity that could start a fire. Click through the following links to learn more on topics of interest:

What you can and can’t do on a Total Fire Ban Day:

Total Fire Ban Fact Sheet

DFES Information:

Total Fire Ban FAQ

Total Fire Ban Video:

Total Fire Ban Exception Fact Sheet:

Fire Ban Exception Fact Sheet

If you require more information:

Contact the DFES Total Fire Ban Hotline: 1800 709 355

Harvest, Vehicle Movement and Hot Works Bans

A Harvest, Vehicle Movement and Hot Works Ban (HVMBHW) are issued by the Shire of Northam Chief Bush Fire Officer and may be called at any time during the Prohibited and Restricted Burning Periods.  

A HVMBHW affects all residents within the Shire of Northam, not just farmers so it is important that all members of the community understand the restrictions and how it may affect them.

Activities that are NOT permitted during the HVMBHW.

  • Harvesting operations are not permitted,
  • The use of vehicles in paddocks is not permitted unless for the purpose of watering and tending livestock in a diesel powered vehicle accompanied by a 500 litre fire unit with water at the ready.
  • The use or operation of any engine, vehicles – including motorbikes/quadbikes, ATV's, 4WDriving, plant, equipment or machinery – including lawnmowers, in the area likely to cause a bushfire or contribute to the spread of a bushfire.
  • Any “hot works” including grinding, welding, cutting, heating etc, in the “open air” are not permitted.

Please note, there is a HVMBHW on Labour Day Weekends, Easter, Anzac Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day every year.

 

Harvest, Vehicle Movement and Hot Works ban will be advertised on different platforms:

Shire of Northam Website

Shire of Northam Social Media 

Shire of Northam SMS Notification Service

Shire of Northam Harvest, Vehicle Movement and Hot Works Fact Sheet

Local ABC Radio Station when applicable.

Updated 31.07.2025

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