Burning prohibited in response to bushfire risk

Wednesday 8 November 2023

Burning restrictions in the metropolitan area have been brought forward in response to the escalating fire danger across Western Australia.

Prohibited Burning Times across 13 local governments will commence on Friday, 10 November, meaning landowners and local governments will no longer be able to undertake planned burning activities or set fire to bushland.

Prohibited Burning Times are implemented in consultation with local governments and make it unlawful to set fire to the landscape, including activities such as campfires, stubble burning, waste management and reducing fuel loads.

Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM said the decision was prompted by the increasing bushfire risk across large parts of Western Australia.

“The seasonal conditions are roughly five to eight weeks ahead of where they would typically be – the bushfire season has arrived in Western Australia much earlier this year,” Commissioner Klemm said.

“The events of the last two weeks, which culminated in emergency services dealing with more than 100 fires on Saturday, mean we simply can’t afford fire being introduced to the landscape any longer.

“We’ve been speaking with local governments, who are the key stakeholders affected by this decision, and they had already indicated they were looking at introducing their Prohibited Burning Times earlier than expected.

“This decision ensures that we have a unified approach across the entire metropolitan area. It’s not something we do every year, but it’s necessary considering the conditions we’re faced with.

“Department of Fire and Emergency Services staff will be liaising with local governments this week to help them manage the transition.”

Commissioner Klemm issued a reminder to the public to ensure they were preparing themselves and their families for the bushfire season.

“Emergency services, local governments and other agencies are all working together, using every lever possible to reduce the bushfire risk and prepare our State,” he said.

“We’re still not seeing enough people creating bushfire plans. The recent fires in Bold Park and Kings Park are a salient reminder that bushfires can still affect suburban areas.

“Make a bushfire plan, prepare an emergency kit and stay alert because all signs point to a long, hot and severe bushfire season.”

Local Government Areas where Prohibited Burning Times will be in effect from Friday, 10 November:

City of Armadale
Shire of Chittering
City of Cockburn
Shire of Gingin
City of Gosnells
Shire of Kalamunda
City of Kwinana
City of Mandurah
Shire of Mundaring
City of Rockingham
Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale
City of Swan
City of Wanneroo