Frequently Asked Questions

What can and can't I do during the different Burning Periods?

During the Prohibited Burning Period, it is illegal to light an outdoor fire in the Shire of Denmark. (Exemptions may be granted for government authorities to carried out hazard reduction burns during this time.)

During the Restricted Burning Period, you must obtain a Permit to Burn and comply with the permit conditions, as well as the Bush Fires Act 1954. Contact your local Fire Control Officer to request a Permit to Burn.

During the Unrestricted Burning Period, a Permit to Burn is not required, but you must still be aware of the Daily Fire Danger Rating and act responsibly. DFES has resources available to help you Burn Smart.

To find out what Burning Period we're in right now, and other key information, please visit our Burning Periods page.

Burning Periods

Where can I find the Daily Fire Danger Rating?

On the Emergency WA website.

Emergency WA 

Can I light a camp or cooking fire?

Gas barbeques are ok to use at anytime of the year, but in the Prohibited Burning Period, it is illegal to light any type of outdoor fire anywhere in the Shire of Denmark.

There are strict restrictions at other times of year. Please visit our Camp and Cooking Fires page for more information.

Here's a short video to give you a few pointers.

Camp and Cooking Fires Burning Periods

Can I light my indoor woodburner during the Restricted and/or Prohibited Period?

Yes! The restrictions and prohibitions are for outdoor fires. 

You can light your indoor woodburner at any time throughout the year.

What is a Permit to Burn and how do I get one?

A Permit to Burn is a signed agreement between you and an Authorised Officer which allows you to conduct a burn on your property under strict conditions during the Restricted Burning Period. You can apply for a Permit by contacting your local Fire Control Officer. Please allow at least 7 days prior to your planned burn to apply for your Permit.

Permits are issued under strict conditions and can be revoked at any time. You must comply with the conditions of your Permit.

Find out more at our Permit to Burn page.

Permit to Burn

How do I lower the risk of my planned burn?

The DFES Burn SMART guide is designed to assist property owners in planning and implementing planned burns when conditions are suitable to safely reduce bushfire risk.

What activities are banned during a Total Fire Ban and/or Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban?

It's a long list!

Please visit our Fire Bans page for more information.

Fire Bans

What's the difference between a Total Fire Ban and a Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban?

The key difference between the two different types of bans is that some businesses and authorities may apply for exemptions to a Total Fire Ban, but during a Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban those exemptions are rendered invalid.

Details about what is and isn't allowed during a Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban are available on our Fire Bans page.

Fire Bans

Farmers: Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban FAQs

The rules of a Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban are the same for everyone, but farmers have unique concerns during a Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban.

I need to drive into a paddock to feed my livestock. I'm exempt from this ban, right?

Wrong.

Any ‘off road activity’ is banned during a Movement Ban. The definition of ‘off road’ includes paddocks and the definition of ‘activity’ is the ‘use of anything activated by an internal combustion engine’, so that would cover your ute, tractor, bobcat, telehandler or any other implement you might use to feed your livestock.

It's important to note: Movement Bans are usually declared for a specific time period during a day, for example, from 7am until 5pm. You can drive into your paddocks to feed your livestock before or after the Movement Ban, just not during. 

What about checking my livestock? Summer is calving time!

You can drive on your laneways on your property if they are sufficiently cleared of flammable material (think a proper gravel road, not a grassed laneway or firebreak) but you cannot drive into your paddocks unless there is an immediate and serious risk to the health and safety of a person or livestock.

While the ban is in place, you must walk your paddocks to check your livestock and water points. If this is not possible, you should perform your checks early in the morning before a Movement Ban is declared. If you have concern for an animal, it’s a good idea to move it to an accessible location before the ban comes into effect.

If, during the day while the ban is on, you identify a seriously and immediately threatened animal or a critical water outage to a stocked paddock, you can drive on to address the issue. If you do this, you must be extra vigilant, on the lookout for fire and take all reasonable precautions to prevent the creation of a bushfire danger (i.e. access the paddock in a ute or truck with your firefighting unit mounted and filled).

How do I register to get an SMS to notify me of a Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban?

Please complete our SMS Alerts System registration form.

Sign Up Here

Other Business: Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban FAQs

I run an earthworks/slashing/roadworks/construction/tree-lopping or similar business. Can I continue operating as normal under a movement ban?

No.

When a Movement Ban is declared, it means the district is facing exceptionally dangerous fire weather conditions. Exceptional circumstances call for exceptional measures, so a Movement Ban day is a good day to spend some time in your shed catching up on equipment maintenance, bookwork or, perhaps consider taking the day off.

When a Total Fire Ban is declared, businesses can register with DFES to receive a permit to continue work, but these permits are void if a Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban is declared.

How do I register to get an SMS to notify me of a Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban?

Please complete our SMS Alerts System registration form.

Sign Up Here

How do I know if a Total Fire Ban or Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban has been declared?

It is your responsibility to be aware if a Total Fire Ban or Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban is declared and act accordingly.

• Subscribe to our SMS Alerts System
• Tune into ABC Great Southern radio
• Follow the Shire of Denmark on Facebook

How do I sign up for the SMS Alerts System?

Very easily!

Sign Up Here

I can see smoke. What do I do?

All registered fires are listed on Emergency WA. If you cannot find the fire on the Emergency WA website, call 000 immediately.

Emergency WA

Will someone knock on my door or send me a SMS if a fire is coming towards my home?

Firefighters will be fighting the fire, not advising residents of the risk.

NEVER wait for someone to knock on your door or for an authority to send you a SMS. Instead, you must make yourself aware of the risks and threats around you, and have a Bushfire Plan prepared ahead of bushfire season. You can do this by getting into the daily habit of checking Emergency WA and making your Bushfire Plan before it's too late. 

Emergency WA My Bushfire Plan

What is the Shire doing to reduce the bushfire risk?

The Shire has an annual Fire Mitigation Program. Details about the program are published each year on our Fire Mitigation page.

We are also strengthening our approach to education and compliance in efforts to increase the amount of awareness in our community about how to reduce the bushfire risk.

Additionally, the Shire supports the Bushfire Ready program to run in Denmark, giving residents the opportunity to work together to build awareness about fire safety. 

Fire Mitigation

How do I join a volunteer fire brigade?

If becoming a volunteer interests you, please contact your local Fire Control Officer. They will guide you through the steps to signing up and help you along the way.

To take part in active firefighting roles you will need to undertake training provided by DFES and Local Government, attend regular brigade activities and be of satisfactory health and fitness. Your nearest brigade may also have non-active positions available such as Base Radio Operator, Secretary, Maintenance Officer, Treasurer or Training Officer. DFES has information on what’s involved on its website.

Brigades and Fire Control Officers

I am - or I live with - a vulnerable person. What systems are in place to assist me in an emergency?

It is critical that every household, especially those that include vulnerable people (including children, the elderly, and people with disabilities), have a Bushfire Plan. Making your plan will help you identify what you need to do to prepare for bushfire season and what your household's trigger is for evacuating. 

In the event of an emergency, authorities will be focused on fighting the fire. It is every person's responsibility to make a plan and put it into action.

For example, if you are a vulnerable person, your plan might involve identifying who can help you evacuate if needed. On the other hand, if you are a neighbour or a family member of a vulnerable person, part of your own plan might include checking in on the vulnerable person to see if they need assistance that you can offer.

Evacuation centres are well-equipped to assist with support services once you arrive. Make your Bushfire Plan today.

My Bushfire Plan

What can I do to make sure I'm prepared for bushfire season?

There are a number of simple things you can do:

• Make sure your property is compliant with the annual Firebreak and Fuel Management Notice
• Get into a daily habit of checking Emergency WA to educate yourself about the daily Fire Danger, any bushfires in the area and any declared Total Fire Bans
• Make your Bushfire Plan today
• Join your local Bushfire Ready group
• Subscribe to the Shire's SMS Alerts System
• Follow the Shire of Denmark, DFES and ABC Great Southern on social media

Firebreak and Fuel Management Notice Emergency WA My Bushfire Plan Bushfire Ready SMS Alerts System

What fitting do I need on my tank to allow fire brigades to take water?

Male Camlock 50mm

Where can I get support to understand the Firebreak and Fuel Management Notice?

The Firebreak and Fuel Management Notice is available online at our Firebreak and Fuel Management page

A range of resources are available to assist you. Get started by:

• Checking out our series of short videos
• Request an appointment through our Book a Ranger program
• Join your local Bushfire Ready Group

Video Tips Book a Ranger Bushfire Ready

Infringement FAQs

I’ve never received an infringement before. Why did I get one this year?

In response to the growing seriousness of the bushfire risk in our Shire, we have strengthened our approach to compliance.

I never received a copy of the Firebreak and Fuel Management Notice. Can I get some leniency?

No.

Infringements are designed to point out the importance of your responsibilities under the Notice and the seriousness of your failure to act. A copy of the Notice was sent to all ratepayers, clearly marked as the ‘First and Final Notice’. It is also widely publicized in local media, published in the Western Australian Government Gazette, the Shire website, eNewsletter and social media, and hardcopies are available at the Shire Administration Building.

I’ve fixed the issue at my property now. Can I have my infringement rescinded?

No.

Your property is required to be maintained at the appropriate standard from 1 December to 30 April. If, at any time during the maintenance period, your property is found to be non-compliant, you can expect to receive an infringement. Remember, we may visit more than once, so you must continue maintaining your property to avoid additional penalties.

Why do I need to comply with the Notice?

It’s your responsibility under section 33 of the Bushfires Act 1954.

How do I get assistance to understand what I need to do to bring my property into compliance?

Get started with the information on this page! There are tips, videos, graphics and more available to help you.

I want to appeal my infringement. How do I go about that?

To successfully appeal your infringement, you will require evidence that our Authorised Officer has made a mistake. Click here to get started on your appeal.