Backyard burning
Domestic and backyard burning is not allowed.
Wood smoke from burning in the open can have an impact on people and the environment and contributes to poor air quality.
Fires
In a built-up area, charcoal is the only material allowed to be burnt. Fires up to one square metre in area are allowed for cooking and personal warmth.
If you are lighting a fire for cooking or personal warmth, you must make sure:
- the fire is clear of all flammable vegetation to a distance of at least 4 metres
- the fire is clear of any type of flammable material in the area around and above the fire.
The use of open fires and barbeques is subject to fire ban regulations and restrictions throughout the fire season.
Download our factsheet on Outdoor heating and cooking(PDF, 1MB)
Wood smoke
When burning, it is illegal to cause a smoke nuisance to neighbours and other persons in the local area. Please be considerate of your neighbours. They may be asthma sufferers, have washing on the line or their windows open for fresh air.
Before lighting a fire, let your neighbours know in advance and use only dry or cured wood, heat beads, dry cardboard and paper.
Burning wood treated with copper chrome arsenate (perma pine) or other chemical preservatives is illegal.
Reducing environmental impact and complaints
Consider other opportunities such as Council's free green waste drop off, request an additional green organics bin, or compost your green organics in your garden where possible.
Reporting illegal burning
Contact us on 8397 7444. We will need to know the exact address of the property where illegal burning is taking place. If possible, find out what is burning because it may be legal - eg cooking or personal comfort or a woodheater inside the house.