Changes to Burning Restrictions

RURAL ZONE - Unrestricted Burning

BUSH FIRES ACT 1954

PARTIll PREVENTION OF BUSH FIRES

SECTION 18 - UNRESTRICTED BURNING TIME (RURAL ZONE)

Pursuant to Section 18 Bush Fires Act 1954 the Shire of Esperance advises due to changing seasonal conditions the Rural Zone ONLY will commenceits Unrestricted Burning Time (Open Burning) as of Saturday, 1 April 2023.

RURAL ZONE- The Rural Zone includesfire zones: West 1, West 2, West Coast 1, West Coast 2, North 1, North 2, East Coast 1, East Coast 2, East 1 and East 2)

Landowner/Occupiers within the Rural Zone are no longer required to obtain a permit to burn from their nearest Fire Control Officer. However, landowner/occupiersare still required to exercise caution and to abide by the following minimum conditions;

• No Burning is permitted during the Easter period, 7-10 April 2023 (inclusive), however campfires are permitted with a minimum 3m wide cleared area and within designated areas.
• Must have a 10m wide firebreak around the area to be burnt; and,
• An operating firefighting unit, consisting a minimum of 1,00O0It water; and,
• Observe weather conditions so smoke doesnot impactthe visibility of the any road network or be of nuisance; and,
• Notify your surrounding neighbours and your local brigade Whatsapp group prior to ignition; and,
• Burns greater than 100Ha must register their burns via the DFES Communication Centre on 1800 198 140 (Free call) prior to ignition.

Landowner/occupiers are reminded notlight any fire, if you are not prepared to be responsible for it. Fire Control Officers have the authority under Bush Fires Act 1954 to request Landowner/occupiers to extinguish any fire they deemed to be unsafe or at the risk of escaping and to halt the lighting offire during the unrestricted burning period.

Please note depending on incoming weather patterns the Shire may re-impose periods of Prohibited Burning Time.

This notice dated 31 March 2023.

Shane Burge

Chief Executive Officer

URBAN-RURAL ZONE - Restricted Burning

BUSH FIRES ACT 1954

PARTIll PREVENTION OF BUSH FIRES

SECTION 18 - COMMENCEMENT OF RESTRICTED BURNING TIME

(URBAN-RURAL ZONE)

Pursuant to Section 18 Bush Fires Act 1954 the Shire of Esperance advises Restricted Burning Time will commence Saturday 1 April 2023 and will conclude midnight Sunday 30 April 2023 for the following zone;

URBAN-RURAL ZONE - The Urban-Rural Zone includes fire zone: Urban-Rural. 

Landowner/occupiers MUST obtain a Fire Permit from their nearest Fire Control Officer before any Hazard Reduction or burning off can commence.

The Shire’s Chief Bush Fire Control Officer, Mr Phil Longmire has exercised his powers under section 18(5)(b) Bush Fires Act 1954 to restrict the issuing of Fire Permits to the following conditions:

• Fire Permits are to be withheld until Friday, 14 April 2023.
• A Permit to Burn will only be issued for a 4 calendar day period (maximum); and,
• lt is the permit holder's responsibility to adhere to ALL conditions listed on the back of the Permit and to adhere to any other conditions imposed by the issuing Fire Control Officer/Permit Issuing Officer; and,
• All fire permits are deemed invalid on days when the forecast fire danger rating is ‘HIGH’ and above.
• No burning is permitted over the Easter period (7-10 April 2023, inclusive); and,
• Fire Permits will NOT be issued for burning of Tree Piles during this period; and,
• Permit holders must log their burns with the DFES Communications Centre Ph: 1800 198 140 (Free call) prior to igniting; and,

Permit Holders are reminded not to light any fire, if you are not prepared to be responsible for it. The Shire of Esperance reservesthe right under section 18(11) Bush Fires Act 1954, to recoup any cost of extinguishment from any fire that escapes permit conditions or from the lack of supervision/unattendance. 

Please note Fire Permits can be suspended or cancelled at any time with or without notice by any Fire Control Officer based upon local conditions or forecast weather conditions.

This notice dated 31 March 2023.

Shane Burge

Chief Executive Officer