Fire Ban Information
Fire Restrictions
In Queensland, the use of fire can be restricted by imposing either a Local Fire Ban or a State of Fire Emergency. When it is considered that predicted conditions and weather forecasts indicate that fires would be difficult to control and pose a danger to communities, the Commissioner Queensland Fire and Rescue Service or his delegate has the authority under the provisions of the Fire and Rescue Act to impose a local fire ban.
When fire weather conditions become extremely dangerous, The Commissioner, QFRS, with the approval of the Minister, can declare a State of Fire Emergency.
Local Fire Bans are normally imposed over an entire local government area and prohibit the lighting of all or only certain types of fires, depending on the severity of the emergency. (Gas and electric barbecues may be used).
When fire bans are in place either as a local Fire Ban or during a State of Fire Emergency:
- The lighting of fires in the declared fire ban areas are prohibited subject to any special conditions or exemptions
- All open fires are prohibited;
- All Permits to Light Fire issued in the designated area are cancelled.
- Other special conditions (or exemptions) may be imposed.
Fire bans are advertised widely and remain in force until cancelled. Information can also be obtained at any time by phoning free call 1800 020 440.
Special Conditions
| Current exemptions to the imposed fire bans are: | |
| 1. | The use of gas and electric barbeques are permitted provided they are not left unattended. The use of wood fire barbeques is prohibited. |
| 2. | Fires for the purpose of disposal of animal carcasses are permitted, subject to the issue of a permit by the local Fire Warden. |
| 3. | Fires of commercial necessity are permitted subject to the issue of a Permit to Light Fire by the Area Director Rural Operations. |
| 4. | Fires lit for the purpose of burning standing sugar cane for harvest in accordance with the established practice of the industry. |
| 5. | Fires lit for the purpose of burning sugar cane tops and trash on cane production land between the hours of 1800hrs and 0900hrs (6.00pm and 9.00 am). |
Note: Power tools may be used, however the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service encourages people to use these with extreme care and to ensure that adequate equipment is available to extinguish any fire that may start. This could include having a person available to watch out for any ignitions that occur.
For further information, please contact either your local Rural Operations Area Office or call the Rural Fire Service Fire Ban Information Line - 1800 020 440.
Fire Ban Frequently Asked Questions
What is a “Fire Ban”?
A fire ban is a legal requirement issued for a designated geographical area (fire ban area). The fire ban can be general in nature prohibiting the lighting of all fires or be specific which prohibits the lighting of certain types of fires(the most common type). A general rule is that all open fires are prohibited during the period of a fire ban.
Why are Fire Bans Needed?
Fire bans are put in place for periods of extreme fire weather to prevent the ignition of fires that may or have the potential to threaten or harm the community.
Who issues/removes a Fire Ban?
The Commissioner or Delegated Officer, Queensland Fire and Rescue Service imposes and revokes fire bans for a declared area/s (also known as a local fire ban). Notification is provided to the community via published notice in newspaper and broadcast transmission on radio and television.
Contravening a Fire Ban
It is a criminal offence to light a fire within a local fire ban area when a local fire ban has been declared. Any person/s that lights a fire whilst a fire ban is in force commits an offence against the Fire and Rescue Service Act 1990, which is punishable by law.
Permits to light fire issued prior to Fire Ban Declaration
If a local fire ban is declared, all issued “Permits to Burn” for the designated area and period are removed. This includes authority to light fires under any other act or authority.
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