Burning season in Cockburn: locals in rural areas allowed to seek fire permits for planned restricted burnings
Some Cockburn residents have been given the green light to set fire to their properties as the city enters a planned restricted burning period.
Citizens living in zoned rural areas will be able to apply for a fire permit from the city until May 31.
This allows them to burn leaves, tree branches and other dry vegetation on their property between 6pm and 11pm. At least one person must be near the fire until the fire is extinguished.
Department of Fire and Emergency Services deputy commissioner Craig Waters told PerthNow planned burns were necessary to care for the environment and keep it safe.
“Planned burns help reduce wildfire intensity and spread by reducing vegetation growth that fuels dangerous wildfires,” he said.
“Planned burns also help create safer conditions for firefighters, reduce the impact of wildfires on the environment, and help protect property and infrastructure during wildfire season.”
Planned burns may occur in a predetermined area over a period of time, ensuring weather conditions are mild and stable.
Small piles under 1 m³ can be burned without permission only if all conditions are met.
Acceptable areas in Cockburn include Banjup, Munster, Wattleup, Treeby and certain parts of Jandakot. Residents can check if they are included in the watershed on the city’s website.
The City of Cockburn lies in the Swan Coastal South fire weather zone; This means that the limited burning season is from April 1 to May 31, and the unlimited burning season is from June 1 to September 30. Burning of any kind is prohibited between December 1st and March 31st.
“When planning a burn, property owners need to assess weather conditions and seek advice from local authorities on possible burn restrictions and obtain permits if necessary,” Mr Waters said.
“Landowners should also register their planned burn with the DFES Contact Center on 9395 9209 before commencing the burn.”
Recording all burns with DFES keeps the community informed and helps prevent false triple-0 calls, allowing firefighters to focus on real emergencies.
Mr Waters stressed that a planned burn was a “huge responsibility”.
“This involves recognizing and managing all associated risks. In the wrong conditions, a planned burn can escape and escalate into a wildfire,” he said.
“Planned burns should be conducted when the weather is cool, the wind is light to light (less than 20 km per hour), and there is sufficient moisture in the vegetation.”
DFES has prepared a series of plans. write SMART Guidelines that local governments and residents must follow when conducting a planned burn.
If the fire danger rating is high, extreme or destructive, a total fire ban will override planned burn times.
Cockburn Council said on its website that residents were responsible for the fires they lit. The council said they could be liable for damages if he escaped.
