Rules during Fire Permit Periods and Total Fire Bans

Fire Permit Period

During periods of increased bushfire risk, a Fire Permit Period will be declared for a Local Government Area (LGA), Region, or for the whole State. This is to coordinate and monitor the use of fire outdoors to reduce risk.

Select to view restrictions

Total Fire Ban

A Total Fire Ban (TFB) can be declared for a Local Government Area (LGA), Region or for the whole State, usually for a 24 hour period. During a Total Fire Ban, you’re not allowed to light any fires outside because the risk of bushfire is too high.

Select to view restrictions

Fire Permit Period – What are the rules?

Barbeque

Can I use a barbeque outside for cooking?

NO unless:

It is an electric or LPG (Butane or Propane) outdoor cooker or stove.
If it is a solid fuel (heat beads, wood, charcoal) barbeque:
- It complies with any restrictions in Parks
- It complies with the Environmental Regulations, and Local Government By-Laws.
- There is a cleared area all the way around the barbeque for at least for three metres (3m). This includes above the barbeque.
- There is someone always supervising the barbeque.
- The barbeque is put out completely.

Campfires

Can I light a campfire?

NO unless:

It is on your property or you have the permission of the person whose property it is on
It complies with any restrictions in Parks
It complies with the Environmental Regulations, and Local Government By-Laws.
There is a cleared area all the way around the fire for at least for three metres (3m). This includes above the fire.
The fire is registered with Tasmania Fire Service by calling 1800 000 699.
The fire is no larger than one cubic metre (1m³).
There is someone always supervising the fire.
The fire is put out completely by soaking it with water, stirring it, and soaking it with water

Incinerators

Can I use an incinerator on my property?

NO unless:

It complies with the Environmental Regulations , and Local Government By-Laws.
The fire is completely contained inside the incinerator (no sparks, embers, or coals can escape from the incinerator).
There is a cleared area all the way around the incinerator for at least for three metres (3m). This includes above the incinerator.
There is someone always supervising the incinerator.
The fire is put out completely.

Burning off

Can I light a fire outside to burn off grass, weeds, stubble, raked leaves, cleared tree branches or other vegetation?

NO unless :

The fire is no larger than one cubic metre (1m³).
There is a cleared area all the way around the fire for at least for three metres (3m). This includes above the fire.
The fire is registered with Tasmania Fire Service by calling 1800 000 699.
There is someone always supervising the fire.
The fire is put out completely by soaking it with water, stirring it, and soaking it with water.
If the fire is larger than one cubic metre (1m³).
- You have a Fire Permit issued by Tasmania Fire Service.
- You comply with all the conditions of the Fire Permit.To apply for a Fire Permit, call 1800 000 699.

Welding or other hot work

Can I do work that creates sparks outside? (This includes welding, grinding, charring, soldering, and gas cutting.)

NO unless you comply with the Tasmania Fire Service Hot Work Guideline

Machinery operations

Can I do harvesting or slashing or use other machinery outside?

NO unless you comply with Tasmania Fire Service Machinery Operation Guideline

Commercial operations

Can I undertake Forestry Operations or Use Outdoor Ovens?

NO unless you comply with

Tasmania Fire Service Forest Operations Guideline
Commercial outdoor cooking or catering activities must comply with the Tasmania Fire Service Outdoor Oven Guideline

Total Fire Ban – What are the rules?

Barbeque

Can I use a barbeque outside for cooking?

NO unless:
• It is an electric or LPG (Butane or Propane) outdoor cooker or stove.
• There is a cleared area all the way around the barbeque for at least for one metre (1m). This includes above the barbeque.
• There is someone always supervising the barbeque.