Burning Off

The municipality of Mitchell is in the NORTH CENTRAL FIRE BAN DISTRICT. When the Country Fire Authoriy (CFA) declares a total fire ban for the NORTH CENTRAL REGION, this applies to ALL areas of Mitchell Shire.

Open Air Burning in Mitchell Shire Townships

Open air burning in townships can only be conducted on Wednesday and Saturday between 10am and 3pm outside of the fire danger period.

The Country Fire Authority (CFA) declare the fire danger period. The CFA will notify residents of this period by placing advertisements in local papers.

Materials such as household garbage, garden waste, grass clippings, pruning's or other vegetation can be burnt as long as the material does not exceed 2 cubic metres in volume and does not create excessive smoke or smell.

Open air burning is not permitted on any Fire Ban Day or Smog Alert Day, during the CFA declared fire danger period. From 1 October until the end of the declared fire danger period a permit is required to burn in the open air.

For all other open air burning in a township a permit is required. Permits can be obtained through Council on (03) 5734 6200. Please contact the Local Laws Department to discuss your application.

Incinerator Burning in Mitchell Shire Townships

Incinerator burning in townships can only be conducted on Wednesday and Saturday between 10am and 3pm. Incinerator Burning is not permitted on any Fire Ban Day or Smog Alert Day.

Burning of Offensive Materials

A person must not burn or cause to burn any offensive materials in any part of the Municipal District without a permit including any substance which contains:

• any manufactured chemical
• any rubber or plastic
• any petroleum or oil
• any paint or receptacle which contains or which contained paint
• food waste, fish or other offensive or noxious matter
• any other material as determined by the Council from time to time

For any other enquiries about burning in Mitchell Shire please contact the Local Laws Department on (03) 5734 6200.

Register your burn-off

How do I notify emergency services of a planned burn?

To ensure that the fire services are aware of your planned burn, please give the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA) prior notification. Notifying ESTA about planned burns prevents unnecessary fire brigade response. Callers reporting an actual fire can then verify that the fire is a planned burn. If this can't be verified a fire brigade will be responded.

You can notify ESTA of planned burns by one of 4 ways:

1. Phone 1800 668 511 to provide the required information or alternatively

2. Complete the Burnoff Notification Form - doc 132k and forwarding the details via email: burnoffs@esta.vic.gov.au or

3. Send the form to ESTA by fax: 1300 674 428 or

4. National Relay Service Users can ring 1300 555 727 and ask for Information to be relayed to ESTA via 1800 668 511

CFA also recommends you inform your neighbours. Remember, if you are reporting a fire ring Triple Zero (000).  

Fire Restriction Periods

As of the 1st of October each year the Mitchell Shire Community Safety and the Environment Local Law in relation to Burning Off in the Open Air comes into force.

Burning within a Township, and all land under the Planning Scheme not zoned "Farming", requires a permit to burn any windrows, tree or stump over the size of 2 cubic metres.

Permits require a 7 day turn around period as sites must be inspected. There is no charge for a permit to burn.

Burning off of less than two cubic metres can only occur on Wednesdays and Saturdays between 10am-3pm.

All land zoned as "Farming" requires a permit to burn any windrows, tree or stump over 2 cubic metres.

Permits require a 7 day turn around period as sites must be inspected. There is no charge for a permit to burn.

Burning off of less than two cubic metres can occur any time on land zoned as "Farming"

All fires lit must have:

• Fire Suppressant Equipment, eg rake, shovel etc
• 3 metre clearance on flammable items, grasses etc
• Clear of overhanging trees
• A person present at all times while fire is alight and has the capacity and means to extinguish it
• Water (ie hose or backpack minimum 10 Litres)
  

These restrictions remain in force until the notification of CFA Restrictions. Once CFA Restrictions are known; Council will only issue Permits to those applicants who have approval from their Local CFA.
Any further inquiries call Mitchell Shire Customer Service on (03) 5734 6200.
Up to date information can be sourced through the Victorian Bushfire information line on 1800 240667 or online at www.cfa.vic.gov.au

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY, DIAL 000 FOR POLICE, FIRE OR AMBULANCE