A Total Fire Ban is declared on a day when a fire is most likely to spread rapidly (because of extreme fire weather) or if there are already widespread fires and we don’t have the resources to fight more.

The lighting of open-air fires or any other activity in the open air that is likely to cause a fire is banned.

In open-air, you cannot:

• Light, maintain or use a fire (even when camping)
• Burn leaves, garden waste or grass cuttings
• Use an incinerator
• Grind, weld, solder, gas cut or use any other type of ‘hot works’
• Use fireworks
• Operate a hot-air balloon
• Fire up a BBQ that uses solid fuel 
• Use an outdoor wood-fired pizza oven or stove (Some industries and activities can be given an exemption, but you will need to show that you have a proper fire plan in place. If you want more information or to apply for an exemption, visit dfes.wa.gov.au/totalfirebans

In any area where there is bush, crops, pasture and stubble, you cannot use:

• A car
• A tractor
• A motorbike
• A motocross bike
• A quad bike
• A dune buggy

You can use vehicles:

• In any area where there is bush, crops, pasture and stubble for agricultural purposes if the local government hasn’t declared a Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban
• If it’s on a road or on a lane, driveway track or in an area that has been sufficiently cleared of flammable material.

In a shed with one or more open sides, you cannot use:

• An angle grinder
• Power tools
• Welder

You can use these tools inside your shed if it is fully enclosed on all sides (i.e. has a door, four walls and a roof), so sparks don’t blow outside.

In any area where there is bush, crops, pasture and stubble, you cannot use:

• A chainsaw or lawn mower
• A plant trimmer or grass trimmer
• A generator
• Bobcats, excavators, bulldozers (or any similar machines) 

You cannot use any BBQ or cooker (including Webers) that requires solid fuel: – Wood – Charcoal – Heat beads

You can use a gas or electric BBQ or cooker, if:

• It’s a permanent BBQ in a public picnic area
• You use it in a public space within the sign posted BBQ area
• It’s at or in your home But, only if:
• It has an enclosed flame
• You clear all material around it, within a 5m radius, that can burn
• It is always attended by a responsible adult
• An immediate and continuous supply of water is nearby, e.g. a garden hose
• You ensure no hot material escapes the area.

Looking after your farm.

The immediate welfare of your animals, such as urgent watering and feeding, has an automatic exemption.

If you’re a farmer, you can:

• Harvest your crop
• Feed or water your stock in a paddock

Operate or move an aeroplane or helicopter

This is assuming that a Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban has not been declared by your local government. You must also check with your local government if you need any fire suppression equipment. If you conduct any of the above activities, you must ensure: – Your vehicle is mechanically sound – The exhaust system is in good condition (free of gas leaks and/or has a well-maintained spark arrester) – That all reasonable precautions have been taken to prevent a bushfire starting.

Total Fire Ban and a Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban If both a Total Fire Ban and a Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban are in place, you cannot use a vehicle, equipment or machinery that’s powered by an internal combustion engine on land covered by bush, crop, pasture or stubble.

Check if there’s a Total Fire Ban in place today by:

• Visiting the Emergency WA website (emergency.wa.gov.au)
• Calling 13 DFES (133 337)
• Calling the TFB Hotline 1800 709 355

Total Fire Bans affect everyone Every Western Australian is affected including farmers, campers, construction workers and residents in both urban and rural areas. If you need more information or advice call the TFB Hotline on 1800 709 355. You will be fined if you ignore a Total Fire Ban. You will get a $1,000 on-the-spot fine. And if it’s a serious breach, you could get up to a $25,000 fine and/or be jailed for 12 months.