Fire permits

Fire Restrictions

In Queensland, fires can be restricted by the declaration of fire danger periods, local fire bans and a state of fire emergency bans.

When a fire ban is in place:

• Lighting fires in the declared fire ban area is prohibited (special conditions or exemptions may apply)
• All open fires are prohibited
• All fire permits previously issued in the area are cancelled
• Special conditions (or exemptions) may be imposed.

Phone the Fire Ban Information Line on 1800 020 440 (free call) for information on current fire bans.

Fire permit

In Queensland, it is illegal to light a fire in the open without a permit.

Exemptions include:

• Fires less than 2 metres in all directions (these fires are not exempt during fire danger periods. During these periods, you must obtain a permit from a fire warden)
• BBQs and campfires (for cooking) lit in a properly prepared fireplaces
• Certain fires used by primary producers and for industrial purposes.

Applying

To apply for a permit to light fire you must:

• Contact your local council to see if you can have a fire and if you need written permission from the council
• Contact the owners/occupiers of the land adjoining the property where you want to light a fire and advise them of your intention to apply for a permit. You need to allow them 72 hours in which to contact the Fire Warden and raise any concerns regarding the intended fire. Record the time you contact them on the application form and note if they have made any objections
• Complete both sides of the application form
• Contact your local fire warden to submit your application

After receiving your application, the fire warden may impose conditions on the permit to reduce unwanted risk or nuisance to others. The fire warden may refuse to issue a permit if they believe safety measures are insufficient.

You risk prosecution if you are responsible for lighting fires without a permit (where one was required).

Fire Wardens

In Queensland local fire wardens administer fire permits. In urban areas, your fire warden is usually at your local fire station. In rural areas, fire wardens are usually volunteers.

The fire warden's role includes:

• granting or rejecting applications for permit to light fire
• determining the conditions under which permitted fires can be lit
• advising owners and occupiers of the need for fuel and hazard reduction
• recommending safety precautions.

Read more about fire bans and view current fire restrictions on the Rural Fire Service website