Am I able to light an indoor fire during the restricted season?

Yes you are, however you might like to note the following:

• Clean your flue or chimney at least once a year to prevent a build up of flammable material and ensure your heater works efficiently
• Regularly check the flue and chimney for cracks or damage as sparks and embers may enter the roof space and start a fire
• Do not use combustible liquids to light open fires or combustion stoves (use fire lighters instead)
• When disposing of ash, ensure it is completely cool and no embers remain

Burning of Garden Refuse

Garden refuse must not be burnt at any time during the PROHIBITED burning period or at any time if a TOTAL FIRE BAN or a HARVEST & VEHICLE MOVEMENT BAN has been declared, or at any time if the fire danger rating is very high or above.
 
A permit is required to burn garden refuse before 6pm during the RESTRICTED BURNING PERIODS,and is subject to the conditions as set out in the permit.
 
Garden refuse may be burnt without a permit after 6pm during the RESTRICTED BURNING PERIODS, subject to the following conditions of the Bush Fires Act 1954 and the Health Act 1911:

1. You notify your neighbours and local Fire Control Officer f your intention to burn
2. The pile of refuse being burnt does not exceed 1mx1mx1m
3. A 5m wide area of clear of flammable material surrounding the pile (i.e lawn, paths, driveways, etc may be considered as a ‘cleared area’
4. The fire is only lit between 6pm and 11pm
5. Only 1 pile is to be lit at any time
6. The fire is completely extinguished by midnight
7. At least 1 adult person is in attendance at all times
8. There is a means of extinguishing the fire available at all times, eg. garden hose, knapsack, spray or fire unit.
9. The smoke from your fire does not cause a nuisance to neighbours
10. The smoke from your fire does not create a traffic hazard
11. Do not burn household or commercial waste or any noxious materials
12. Do not burn damp, wet or green material at any time as this will cause excessive smoke
13. Other than during the RESTRICTED or PROHIBITED periods, garden refuse may be burnt at any time, but care must be exercised. Smoke from the burning of garden rubbish can cause nuisance and annoyance to other residents. Please consider this and plan to minimise smoke.
    

Can I ride a dirt bike during a Total Fire Ban or Harvest Ban?

Riding a dirt or quad bike thorugh a paddock (or similar area) during a ban IS NOT ALLOWED! Essentially the use or operation of any engine, vehicle, plant, equipment or machinery in the area likely to cause a bush fire or contribute to the spread of a bush fire is banned.

Can I use a generator during a Total Fire Ban or Harvest Ban?

There is no law or policy governing the use of generators, however total fire bans andharvest / hot works / vehicle movement bans are intended to ensure that nothing is likely to cause a fire is undertaken. Common sense needs to prevail therefore, and it is suggested that if you should need to use a generator ensure that it is run in a cleared area (or enclosed area – being mindful of fumes) with a minimum 3m mineral earth break around the generator as a suggestion.

What can’t I do during Harvest, Hot Works and Vehicle Movement Ban?

 The following activities are not permitted:

• Harvesting operations
• Any ‘hot works’ (ie. Welding, grinding, cutting, heating, etc) in the open air
• Use or operation of any engine, vehicle, plant, equipment or machinery in the area that is likely to cause a bush fire or contribute to the spread of a bush fire

What can’t I do in a TOTAL FIRE BAN?

Any activity that could start a fire is ‘banned’ , including hot works without an exemption. Harvest movement is OK unless a ban is imposed by the Shire of Wyalkatchem.
PLEASE USE COMMON SENSE - If you do not feel like it is safe to be operating your machinery or harvesting do not do it.

What do I do if I can see smoke or flames?

If you see smoke or flames, ACT IMMEDIATELY for your own safety and call 000.

What is a Harvest, Hot Works and Vehicle Movement Ban?

Harvest, hot works and vehicle movement bans are issued by local governments when, in the opinion of their Chief Bush Fire Control Officer, the use of engines, vehicles, plant or machinery is likely to cause a fire or contribute to the spread of a bush fire.
During a Harvest, Hot Works and Vehicle Movement Ban the following activities are not permitted:

• Harvesting operations
• Ay ‘hot works’ (ie. Welding, grinding, cutting, heating, etc.) in the open air
• Use or operation of any engine, vehicle, plant, equipment or machinery in the area that is likely to cause a bush fire or contribute to the spread of a bush fire

What is the Emergency Alert Telephone Warning System?

Emergency Alert is the national telephone warning system used during an emergency to send messages to landlines and mobile phones within a defined area where lives and homes are deemed to be under direct or imminent threat.
More information can be found on the DFES website

The Shire's emergency mobile number is 0429 960 000