Fire Danger Season
The Fire Danger Season normally commences around the 1 November and concludes around 15 April each year. These dates are set by the SA Country Fire Service each year and may change depending on weather conditions.
During the Fire Danger Season there are strict controls on the lighting of fires and the use of certain tools in the open. It is important that you understand what you can and can't do during this period by visiting the CFS website.
The CFS have available from their website a range of Factsheets and Guides to help you prepare for the Fire Danger Season.
Pursuant to Section 105(F) of the Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005, an owner of private land must take reasonable steps:
a) to prevent or inhibit the outbreak of fire on the land; and
b) to prevent or inhibit the spread of fire through the land; and
c) to protect property on the land from fire; and
d) to minimise the threat to human life from a fire on the land.
Maximum penalty $5000.
Preparation of your home and property throughout the year will ensure that you, your property and your family are given the best chance to survive a bushfire. A well prepared home is more likely to survive a bushfire than one that has not been prepared.
Staying informed is also critical on days of high fire danger. Look and listen for information on television, radio, internet, social media and mobile phones and by speaking with your neighbours, do not rely on one source of information as power and online services can be lost during a fire.
During the Fire Danger Season all fires, other than a fire used for cooking or personal comfort require an approved permit before they can be lit.
All permits for anything other than broad acre or vegetation pile burns are to be referred to Region 6 CFS for approval on 8682 4266
If you want to burn board acre or vegetation pile burning during the Fire Danger Season you will need to complete the Schedule 9 Permit Application Form 5-71-T14 [PDF] and submit to Council for approval either by:
Email: plcc@plcc.sa.gov.au
Post to:
City of Port Lincoln
PO Box 1787
PORT LINCOLN SA 5606
In person:
Level One, Civic Centre, 60 Tasman Terrace
PORT LINCOLN SA 5606
Once Council has received your application a Community Safety Officer will be in contact with you to arrange a time to inspect the site.
No burning can commence unless you have received a Schedule 9 Permit provided by the Council and/or CFS.
No burning should be carried out on a Total Fire Ban Day without a Schedule 10 permit issued by Council and/or CFS.
To check if a Total Fire Ban has been declared for your region visit www.cfs.sa.gov.au/site/bans_and_ratings.jsp.
If you are unsure about what restrictions there are during a Total Fire Ban Day you can:
- visit the CFS website www.cfs.sa.gov.au for more information; and/or
- if in doubt, phone the Bushfire Information Hotline 1300 362 361, or
- if you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech impairment, contact the CFS through the National Relay Service on 133 677.
The burning of garden refuse, dry grass and materials for bushfire prevention in South Australia is regulated by the Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005. In addition, the Environment Protection (Air Quality) Policy 2016 aims to protect and improve the environment and the health of South Australians by reducing the impact of smoke on human health.
Residents of the City of Port Lincoln are bound by the Environmental Protection (Air Quality) Policy 2016, Division 1, Section 2, 2 (b). During the Fire Danger Season residents must comply with restrictions imposed by the Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005.
For further information about permissible burning activities residents are directed to the Environment Protection Authority’s website www.epa.sa.gov.au.
Information on the types of fuel reduction and fire protection works able to be undertaken by landowners in accordance with the Native Vegetation Act 1991 and Native Vegetation Regulations 2017 is available from the Native Vegetation Council on 08 83039777.
Reducing the amount of vegetation around your property is a good way to reduce the fuel a bushfire needs to burn. There are rules to help manage bushfire risks and protect lives and property, while minimising the impacts on native vegetation, animals and their ecosystems.
To learn more about preparing your home and property visit the CFS website.
Water Quality
There are some simple steps that can be taken to ensure your rainwater supply is suitable for drinking after a bushfire, available on the SA Health's website. To learn more about what you should do refer to the SA Health links below.
Factsheet: Rainwater quality and bushfires [PDF]
On-site Wastewater Systems
After a bushfire residents who have on-site wastewater systems such as septic tanks and aerobic wastewater treatment systems are advised to inspect their systems as they may have been damaged during the bushfire. For more information on what you should do refer to the SA Health website 'After a bushfire' link above and factsheet provided below.
Factsheet: Bushfire and on-site wastewater systems [PDF]
Damaged infrastructure including smoke damage
Residents whose property has been damaged by a bushfire should contact their insurance company.
Keep Informed
During a bushfire residents are advised to stay informed and continue to monitor the ABC Radio for updates, the CFS website https://www.cfs.sa.gov.au/home/ or phone the Information Hotline on 1800 362 361.
After bushfire key contacts
- SA Health
- Free Professional Counselling for Regional South Australians: Ph: 1300 032 186
- Mentally Fit EP: Facebook page / Instagram page
- West Coast Youth and Community Support: 8683 0072
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue: 13 25 85
Related information
Managing Trees around Powerlines [PDF]
www.poweratmyplace.com.au
Sign up for outage alerts. A free message service which provides timely and accurate information from SA Power Networks regarding power at your property.
Fact Sheets
- CFS Aerial Firefighting
- Native Vegetation Council - Burnt Trees
- Native Vegetation Clearing and Fire Recovery
Key Contacts
- Fire Ban Hotline: 1300 362 361
- Council Contact: Shane Rigden - 8621 2334
- CFS: 8682 4411
- Emergency: 000
- SES: 132 500
Need more information
If you have any questions on protecting your property or burning permits, please contact:
City of Port Lincoln
Environment & Community Safety Team
9.00am - 5.00pm, Monday to Friday
Phone: 8621 2300
Email: plcc@plcc.sa.gov.au