What is the Fire Permit Period?
The Tasmania Fire Service declares a Fire Permit Period when the potential threat of bushfire becomes significant.
The beginning and end of the Fire Permit Period varies from year to year dependant on the dryness of the vegetation and the fire danger.
Because Tasmania’s climate, topography and vegetation flammability vary widely across the state, the declaration of Fire Permit Periods for specific areas happens at different times.
Permit declarations are advertised in the public notices sections of The Mercury, The Examiner and The Advocate newspapers. The information is also posted on the Tasmania Fire Service website www.fire.tas.gov.au along with a map showing where the Fire Permit Period has been declared.
Why have a Fire Permit Period?
During the Fire Permit Period fires are not banned but conditions are placed on the use of fire in the open. This is done to ensure that the safety of the Tasmanian community and environment are not placed at unnecessary risk from fire.
The Permit System aims to promote the safe use of fire in the open and to regulate fires so Tasmania’s fire fighting capacity is not potentially compromised.
The Permit System also provides for adequate access to Fire Permit Officers and reduces unnecessary turnouts by brigades who for the most part are staffed by volunteers.
When do you need a Fire Permit?
During a Fire Permit Period any fire for the clearing of vegetation or similar purposes requires a Fire Permit.
If the area to be burnt exceeds two hectares it will be necessary to complete a Burning Plan and have it approved by the Permit Officer. If you require guidance to plan the burn the Permit Officer may be able to assist.
Crop stubble burns are exempt from this requirement and a single permit may be issued for multiple stubble burns. These are the only burns treated on this basis and it is still a mandatory condition that the permit holder registers the permit on 1800 000 699 each time they intend to burn stubble.
Permits can only be issued to burn vegetation.
A Permit cannot be issued to burn building material or any other form of domestic or industrial waste. During a Fire Permit Period fires for these purposes must not be lit.
How do you contact a Fire Permit Officer?
Call the Tasmania Fire Service on Freecall 1800 000 699 for the name and contact number of your local Fire Permit Officer. For the most part these Permit Officers are volunteers and may not be available during working hours.
You should contact the officer before you need the permit and arrange for a suitable time for them to meet you and inspect the area you wish to burn. This is important as permits cannot be issued over the telephone.
What happens if your fire gets out of control?
Contact the Tasmania Fire Service by dialling 000. This is the quickest way to get assistance to bring your fire under control. There is no charge for this service and as long as you have met all the conditions on your permit and taken all reasonable steps to keep the fire on your property you will not be liable for any damage caused by the fire.
It is important that you understand the conditions on the permit and your obligation tocomply with them. If you are unsure of anything your Permit Officer will be able to advise you.
Before you light up the permit must be registered by calling Freecall 1800 000 699. This avoids unnecessary turnouts by brigades.
Is a permit required for a barbeque or campfire?
Permits are not required for any of the following:
But, there are conditions:-
What happens if there is a day of TOTAL FIRE BAN?
On days of Total Fire Ban all fires in the open are banned and all fire permits are automatically revoked.
Work practices such as harvesting, using chainsaws, grinding and welding in the open or any activity that can generate sparks or heat should not be undertaken.
Gas and electric barbecues are permitted.
How can you get more information?
For more information on Fire Permit periods, using fire outdoors, vegetation burning and Total Fire Bans visit the Tasmania Fire Service website at www.fire.tas.gov.au or call 1800 000 699.
If you need to report a fire dial 000
Back to Collinsvale Fire Brigade