Fire Safety Bans

When a Total Fire Ban or a Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban has been declared it is illegal to carry out any activity that is likely to cause a fire. The responsibility remains on the individual to ensure that the activity undertaken will not cause a fire and that a ban is not currently in place.

Total Fire Bans are declared by the Department of Fire & Emergency Services (DFES) during times of extreme weather conditions or when the possibility of widespread bushfires may impact heavily on resources.

Total fire ban activation and additional information is available via the following:

  • Visit the DFES website
  • Call the DFES Total Fire Ban information line 1800 709 355
  • ABC local Radio frequency 720AM and other media outlets.

Harvest and Vehicle Movement Bans

Harvest and vehicle movement bans are declared by the Local Authority and limits the operation of machinery and plant equipment likely to cause a fire when operated over or near flammable material, dry grass, stubble or bush.

Harvest and vehicle movement ban activation and additional information is available via the following:

  • City’s Fire & Emergency Information Line 9267 9326
  • ABC Local Radio frequency 720AM and other media outlets.

Penalties Apply

You could be fined up to $25,000 or imprisoned for 12 months, or both, if you ignore or commit an offence in relation to Total Fire Bans and Harvest and Vehicle Movement Bans.

When a ban has been declared you must not:

  • Light a fire in the open air
  • Cook outside in the open air using an open fire (this includes under verandas and patios)
  • Move vehicles or plant equipment in bushland or paddocks
  • Harvesting
  • Undertake ‘hot works’ such as welding, grinding or activity that may cause a spark or ignition unless you have an exemption issued by DFES
  • Use fireworks or hot air balloons.

When a ban has been declared you may:

  • Use a gas cooker or barbeque with an enclosed flame on your own property or in a public recreational area designated for that purpose
  • Undertake essential feeding and watering of stock
  • Use mowers, chainsaws, line and hedge trimmers and similar plant in built up urban environments which are clear of flammable materials or surrounded by green grass etc.
  • Smoke cigarettes, provided cigarettes or cigars are properly extinguished and discarded.
  • Conduct any work that has been covered by a current and relevant exemption, and provided that are all conditions on that exemption are adhered to.

Information on Swan Valley viticulture and fire safety bans is available here(PDF, 211KB).  

This information has been extracted from the City’s Annual Fire Season Guide. For additional details, please or call the City of Swan on 9267 9267.

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