Burning Restrictions & Bans

Lighting fires on your property comes with serious responsibility and risks. Fire restrictions and bans are in place to protect our community, farmland, and environment. These rules change throughout the year depending on seasonal conditions.

It’s your responsibility to know the rules before you light a fire. Further information on criteria and conditions can be found here. 

Burning Time Public Notice

Urban Rural Zone

The Urban Rural Zone is in a Restricted Burning Time. You will need a Permit from your local Bush Fire Brigade Permit Officer before doing any burning.

Rural Zones

The Rural Zones are in a Restricted Burning Time. You will need a Permit from your local Bush Fire Brigade Permit Officer before doing any burning.

The Shire's Chief Bush Fire Control Officer has exercised his powers to restrict the issuing of Fire Permits to the following conditions:

  • Permits will not be issued for the burning of tree piles,
  • A Permit to Burn may be issued for a maximum period of four (4) calendar days,
  • A minimum of 400 litres of water must be available on site during the burn,
  • Except for agricultural purposes, burning may only occur after 1500 hours and must be completely extinguished by 2359 hours the same day,
  • Permit holders must adhere to all other conditions prescribed by the issuing Fire Control Officer; and,
  • Permit holders must log their burns with the DFES Communications on (08) 9395 9209 prior to ignition.

All permits will be deemed invalid when the Fire Danger Rating reaches ‘HIGH’ or above. 

Burning Times

Bushfire times

Burning periods can change without notice. If you are unsure, please contact us to see if you are allowed to burn.

Check which zone you’re in using the Sub-Zone Map

Cooking Outdoors During Fire Restrictions

Allowed anytime: Gas and electric barbeques (including Total Fire Ban).

Allowed when Fire Danger Rating is Moderate: Solid fuel barbecues, spit roasts, webers, pizza ovens and other cooking fires - only in signposted campsites.

Not allowed: When Fire Danger Rating is High or above, in National Parks, on Total Fire Ban days.

Burning Garden Waste

Not allowed: Burning garden refuse or rubbish (including incinerators) is not allowed during Prohibited Burning Times.

Harvest & Vehicle Movement Ban

The Shire can put in place a Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban under the Bushfires Act 1954.

This reduces farming and vehicle activities that could spark a fire.

Sometimes, only certain zones may be put into a Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban. If you're unsure which Sub-Zone you belong to, click here to find out.

Stay informed:

  • Call the Shire: (08) 9071 0666 (business hours)
  • Harvest and Vehicle Ban hotline: (08) 9071 5367
  • Listen to local ABC radio
  • Sign up for SMS Notifications: complete this online form.

👉 It is your responsibility to check if a ban is in place before carrying out work.

And remember, there is a Harvest & Vehicle Movement Ban across the whole Shire of Esperance on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day every year.

Total Fire Bans

Total Fire Bans are declared by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).

During a Total Fire Ban, you cannot:

  • light, maintain or use a fire in the open air.
  • carry out any activity that could start a fire.

Here are some helpful DFES links:

Keep Informed:

Zone Map - Find your Sub-Zone

Contact your local Bush Fire Brigade (non emergency calls only)

Fire Permit Issuing Officers

Guide to Constructing and Maintaining Firebreaks

Fire Hazard Reduction - Definition Guidance Notice

Firebreak Variation Information for Applicant Fact Sheet

​Application for Variation to Firebreak

Firebreak Contractors (firebreak installation and maintenance)

Sign up for Bushfire and Harvest Ban SMS updates

Burning Restrictions & Fire Bans