Total Fire Ban / Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban FAQs
Can I use a BBQ?
Only gas powered and electric BBQs (where there is no flame) can be used during a total fire ban. During a total fire ban you can't light or use a fire in the open air; this includes undercover areas such as patios, pergolas and huts that are open or partially open.
Can I use solid fuel?
No. You cannot use any BBQ or cooker that requires solid fuel such as wood or charcoal. This includes wood fired ovens or stoves, and Weber (coal) like BBQs.
Can I use my wood fired pizza oven?
No. You cannot burn solid fuels such as wood or charcoal in the open air. This includes outdoor wood fired pizza ovens. Undercover areas such as patios, pergolas and huts that are open or partially open to the weather are deemed to be in the open air.
Can I use equipment and machinery (e.g. bobcats, excavators, bulldozers etc)?
No. In bush or in areas of crop, pasture or stubble, equipment and machinery cannot be used if a harvest and vehicle movement ban has been declared.
Can I do grinding, welding, or other forms of "hot works" in the open air?
No. You cannot use a welder or power operated abrasive cutting discs of any kind in the open air due to the risks of sparks starting a fire. This includes grinding, soldering, gas cutting and all other forms of “hot works”.
Can I use a chainsaw, plant or grass trimmer, or lawn mower?
Not in bushland or grassland areas of fire risk. These activities can be undertaken in suburban or built up areas which are cleared of flammable material.
Can I use a grinder, welder or power tools inside my shed?
This is dependent on the type of shed you are working from. You cannot use any of these if your shed has one or more open sides that are exposed to the weather. There is a risk that winds can blow sparks, which may then ignite flammable material. You can use these tools inside your shed if it is fully enclosed on all sides and has a door and roof to prevent sparks from escaping.
Can I drive a 4WD offroad (e.g. through bushland) for recreational purposes?
No. During a total fire ban or harvest and vehicle movement you cannot use a vehicle in bush or a paddock. You can only use a vehicle on a road, track or in an area that has been sufficiently cleared of flammable material.
Can I ride my motorbike, motocross bike or quad bike through bush or in a paddock?
No. During a total fire ban or harvest and vehicle movement ban you cannot use a vehicle in bush or a paddock, unless it is for agricultural purposes. You can only use a vehicle on a road, track or in an area that has been sufficiently cleared of flammable material.
Cigarettes, cigars, tobacco and matches
Discarding a burning cigarette, cigar, tobacco or match is considered to be an activity that causes, or is likely to cause, a fire. Under the Bush Fires Act 1954, inappropriate disposal of a burning cigarette, cigar,tobacco or match during restricted and prohibited burning times attracts a penalty of $5,000.