The Fire and Rescue Service Act 1990 permits the lighting of certain fires by way of a notification.  The notification has been amended recently to prohibit the lighting of certain fires where there is a local law for part or all of a local government area that stops property owners from lighting fires.

The notification applies to fires that are smaller than 2 metres in any direction and fires lit for industrial purposes as referred to in the notification.  These fires would normally be exempt or require a permit except for the existence of the local law.

The main aim of these local laws is to stop nuisance fires or toxic materials being burnt in backyards within populated areas.

Most local governments have provided alternative means (other than fire) for disposal of vegetation and waste materials through refuse collection and/or free disposal of green waste at council tips.  Information about any local laws is best obtained from your local government.