Total Fire Ban

What is a Total Fire Ban?

A Total Fire Ban (TFB) is declared because of extreme weather conditions or when widespread fires are seriously stretching firefighting resources. A TFB is declared by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) following consultation with local governments.

When a TFB is declared it prohibits the lighting of any fires in the open air and any other activities that may start a fire.

The ban includes all open air fires for the purpose of cooking or camping. It also includes incinerators, welding, grinding, soldering or gas cutting.

Exemptions may be allowed for some industries and activities with conditions applied.

There have been some recent changes to the regulations that affect farmers so make sure you know what a TFB means for you.

When a Total Fire Ban has been declared it will be:

• Featured on the Total Fire Bans page of the DFES website.
• Published on DFES's Twitter account - https://twitter.com/dfes_wa
• Published to subscribers through the DFES website's automated RSS feeds
• Broadcast on ABC local radio and other media outlets - http://www.abc.net.au/southcoast/
• On the Total Fire Ban information line: 1800 709 355.
• Displayed on Shire of Denmark roadside Fire Danger Rating (FDR) signs.

Penalties

You could be fined up to $25,000.00 and/or jailed for 12 months, if you breach a Total Fire Ban.

More information

More information on Total Fire Bans, including what can and cannot be done during a Total Fire Ban can be obtained by visiting the DFES website.