Published on Monday, 30 September 2024 at 11:00:00 AM
The following information comes from the Department of Fire & Emergency Services (DFES). The latest versions of the Burn SMART guide as well as other emergency preparation resources are available on the DFES website.
Let’s talk about Planned Burning.
You may have heard of hazard or fuel reduction burns, burn offs, prescribed burns and controlled burns. These are all names for planned burns. Undertaking a planned burn is a significant responsibility and involves a lot of preparation. In the wrong conditions, planned burns can escape and become a bushfire.
Planned burning describes deliberately burning a predetermined area under appropriate environmental conditions to reduce fuel loads (the vegetation and dead plant material that can burn in a fire). They are done under mild and stable weather conditions so that the fire burns slowly and is controllable with low flame heights.
Reducing fuel increases the chances of your property surviving a bushfire. As a landholder or occupier of land it is your responsibility to manage fuel loads in accordance with the regulations and requirements of the Shire.
Burn SMART guide & resources
DFES have developed Burn SMART resources, which are designed for landholders to refer to for a property of two (2) hectares or less. Remember: research burn intervals relevant to your local vegetation.
About Planned Burning (DFES)
Stages 1 + 2: Planning the Burn
Planning should be undertaken weeks or even months in advance of your planned burn. Develop a fuel management strategy for your property, and sketch how you will divide your property into manageable burn patches. Prepare your burn patch and refer to the DFES Burn SMART guide - you will also need to contact your local Fire Control Officer to discuss a burning permit, which is required during the Restricted Burning Period. Ours is in effect from 1 April to 26 April and 1 November to 14 December annually (further information about our Burning Periods is available on the page linked below).
Burning Periods & Requirements
Stage 3: Before the Burn
Confirm that it has been two days, but not more than 10 days, since it last rained (5mm or greater). You will also need to check for mild weather conditions for the next several days - do not burn if strong winds and dry conditions are forecast. Ensure all equipment is available and in good working order (include a metal rake, shovel, hose or another source of water). Confirm that the people helping you with the burn are still available, and notify all neighbours no less than four days prior to burning. This includes neighbours separated by a road, lane or waterway.
Stage 4 + 5: Day of the Burn
Visit Emergency WA (linked below) to check for current Total Fire Ban and Fire Danger Ratings in your area. Visit the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website (linked below) at to check that a severe weather warning, wind warning, or haze alert has not been issued for your area, and to check your local weather forecast. Wind speeds should be less than 20km per hour, and relative humidity should be greater than or equal to 40%.
Register your burn with the DFES Communications Centre on (08) 9395 9209, and notify the right people of your burn. This includes reminding your neighbours of your plan to burn and the Shire (if required). If you have been issued a Permit to Burn, you must ensure that you comply with the conditions outlined on it, and complete any additional notifications.
Complete the leaf moisture method from the Burn SMART guide, ensuring fuel moisture levels are appropriate for a burn. Conduct a pre-burn briefing with everyone who is helping you with your burn, and make sure the equipment you have is in good condition.
Stage 6: After the Burn
Check the burn area the following day to ensure the fire has not reignited. There should be no smoke, smoldering vegetation or glowing embers.
You will need to check the burn patch several times a day for at least two (2) days after the burn, but should check for longer if the weather becomes hotter, drier or windier. Larger fuels may continue to smoulder for several days and could potentially reignite. Monitor the area until you are confident the burn is completely extinguished. Contact the Shire or your local Fire Control Officer for further advice, should you need it (view the links below to learn more about Fire & Emergency Management or Firebreaks & Prevention in the Shire).
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