Every year Town of Kwinana is affected by bushfires. It is vital that all properties abide by local laws that are put in place to protect you and your property.
Properties are inspected to ensure they comply with all fire laws.
If a person fails to comply they will be subject to legal action. This means either an on-the-spot $250 fine or court prosecution.
Where properties do not meet fire prevention requirements the work will be done by a Council contractor and you will receive an account for the work carried out. Payment of this account is YOUR responsibility.
Restricted/Prohibited burn times
In the Town of Kwinana the danger period starts on the 1 October and ends 31 May each year. Each season may vary due to weather conditions.
1 October to 30 November - RESTRICTED PERIOD
Permits may be granted to people living in rural areas for burning under strict guidelines, at no charge, by your Local Fire Control Officer. NO permits will be issued to residents in the urban area including, Homestead Ridge.
1 December to 31 March - PROHIBITED PERIOD
There is a total fire ban during this period. NO burning at all day or night.
1 April to 31 May - RESTRICTED PERIOD
As per the 1st restricted period. Under strict conditions a permit can be obtained. NO burning permitted in the urban area.
How do I obtain a permit?
For burning between 1 October to 30 November and 1 April to 31 May inclusive; permits can be obtained from the Town of Kwinana or your local Fire Control Officer.
Cost
There is no charge for obtaining a Burning Permit.
To burn without a Burning Permit is an offence under the Bush Fires Act and Town of Kwinana's local law and carries a penalty of $500.
Penalties
The following penalties may be incurred:
$250 for failing to maintain a fire break
$250 for lighting a fire in the open air
$250 for setting fire to bush during prohibited burning time
$250 for failure of the occupier to extinguish a bushfire
$100 for refusing to provide a name and address
$100 for failing to produce a permit to burn
Major offences result in court action with fines ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 or imprisonment for fourteen (14) years or both.
Burning bush or rubbish is not permitted in these areas for health and safety reasons.
From 1 December to 31 March every year, property owners/occupiers must ensure there is no flammable material around their property.
Rural Special Rural and Industrial Areas
(properties more than 3000m2)
Casuarina, Anketell, Marri Park, Wandi, Mandogaluo, Postans, Hope Valley, Naval Base, Kwinana Beach, the Spectacles and Wellard (except Homestead Ridge and The Village at Wellard).
Firebreaks
All properties must have firebreaks installed by 1 December and maintained until 31 March. They must be 3 metres wide and 3 metres high.
Earth firebreaks are needed around all:
Property boundaries,
Buildings,
Timber piles, haystacks, tyres, vehicles, flammable liquids, chemical and gas products.
Access
It is essential that a 4 wheel drive vehicle can drive safely around your firebreak. Any obstructions mean they do not comply.
Variations
Some variations exists. This may be due to environment, planning or other reasons. Normally firebreaks should not be constructed in wetlands. Please contact the Fire Control Officer before 31 October each year to discuss your variation.
