Declared Fire Danger Period

Declaration of a Fire Danger Period

In preparation for the on-coming fire season the Commissioner of the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service has declared a Fire Danger Period from midnight August 29, 2010 to midnight January 2, 2011.

Declaration of a Fire Danger Period across the State brings a change to the previous situation where a small fire of less than 2 metres in size did not require a permit. During the fire danger period anyone wanting to light a fire will need to obtain a ‘Permit to Light Fire’ from their local fire warden who will assess the circumstances around each application and develop appropriate conditions or reject the application.

A declared fire danger period has no impact on other categories of existing notifications that remain unchanged. This includes fires lit out-doors in a properly constructed fire-place for the purposes of cooking and those exemptions applicable to primary producers, including cane growers.

The requirement to obtain a permit for small fires has been introduced with the aim of reducing the number of fires that get out of control and to limit the demands placed on QFRS resources over the bushfire season. During the 2009 fire season small fires that escaped were a significant cause of bushfires because people lighting them did not recognise the changing way weather conditions can affect fire behaviour or did not exercise appropriate control and supervision of the fire.

These new requirements for a Permit complement the situation in many local government areas where councils have adopted a local law under nuisance provisions that prohibits the lighting of fires. If the local government has such a local law a permit is unlikely to be issued by a fire warden unless permission has been obtained from the local government and if so, must be presented to the fire warden when applying for a Permit. Residents who are unsure about the application of nuisance provisions of local laws in respect to the lighting of fires in their area should contact their local government.

Prior to lighting fires, residents should check with either their local fire warden or the rural of urban fire brigade in respect to information on making an application for a ‘Permit to Light Fire’ as well a whether any notice, notification or local fire ban applies for the area where it is proposed to light the fire.

All such notices and notifications are published on the Rural Fire Service and the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service websites and in the media. The Application for Permit to Light Fire form can be found here

Clarification of a fire lit outdoors for the purpose of cooking in a Fire Danger Period

A properly prepared fireplace means a fireplace that is constructed of stone, metal or any other non-flammable material so as to contain the perimeter of the fire. Properly prepared fireplaces also include trenches at least 30cm deep, as there have been many queries regarding hangis.

The important thing to remember when advising the public regarding properly prepared fireplaces, is that no matter the construction of the fireplace, in all circumstances is it the responsibility of the person lighting or maintaining the fire to ensure adequate precautions are taken to prevent the spread of fire.

Conditions applicable to camp fires

•The ground and air space is clear of flammable material sufficient to prevent the escape of the fire.

•The fire and fuel used are the minimum necessary for the purpose and do not occupy an area of more than 1 square metre.

•A person is in attendance at all times while the fire is alight.

For more information:
Contact us on 1800 LV FIRE or the Rural Operations Area Office on (07) 3381 7122.