Summer in Australia can be scorching! Throw in strong northly winds and you have potentially disastrous, bushfire conditions. We have all heard the term ‘total fire ban’ stated on the evening news or local weather update, but do you actually know what it means? For those of us thinking of embracing the summer heat with a backyard barbecue, it might be necessary to change our plans.
In hot, dry, and windy weather, fires can easily start, spread, and cause significant damage to property and lives. A fire ban may be declared as a prevention measure – it’s a set of rules put in place to limit the risk of starting a bushfire.
What Do the Rules Stipulate?
Whilst the rules differ slightly from state to state, generally, the below applies:
- No fires in the open air – You cannot have a fire of any type anywhere outside, including on a deck, balcony, courtyard, backyard, beach, park, or other public space.
- Outdoor cooking is restricted to gas and electric barbecues only and conditions apply – An adult must supervises it. There can be no flammable material within 5 metres and there must be a hose connected to a water supply or a container with at least 10 litres of water for immediate use. The barbecue must also be located within 20 metres of a home or other private dwelling or a picnic area.
- The use of barbeques, grills, or other outdoor cooking equipment which utilises wood, heat beads, charcoal, or any kind of solid or liquid fuel is prohibited – Charcoal spit roasters, wood fired pizza ovens etc.
- Fire pits our outdoor fire places of any kind cannot be ignited.
- You cannot light or burn rubbish in an incinerator.
- Hot works, such as welding, soldering, or grinding, is prohibited.
- Chainsaws, and lawn mowers can be used in suburban or built up area, but not in bushland or areas with non-green vegetation. The area must first be cleared of flammable material.
What About Smoking a Cigarette?
You are still permitted to smoke outside. However, flicking a lit cigarette out of a car window during a total fire ban is illegal and attracts a fine. Make sure you always extinguish cigarettes in specified ash trays and douse with water. Never leave a cigarette smouldering and never dispose of butts in a rubbish bin.
How Will I Know if I’m Affected by a Fire Ban?
Fire bans are issued by state fire services in consultation with local governments. The bans are published on their websites, social media, apps, and it will be broadcast on the news. A fire ban is rarely issued for an entire state, city, or town. Typically, they will be declared for a particular district or local government area.
What Are The Penalties Of Not Adhering to a Total Fire Ban?
Penalties may vary between states. However, lighting fires on total fire ban days are not taking lightly anywhere and if caught, you will be sure to face hefty fines and possibly even jail time, especially if a fire you light damages or destroys life, property, or the environment.
Be Fire Ready
Not only is it essential to listen to and abide by fire ban rules, but it’s also important to be prepared for fires, especially if you live in or near a bushfire prone region. Safety Dave offers a huge range of fire safety equipment to help protect your home, or business. Reach out to us today to find out more. We can also help with reversing cameras, TPMS, first aid kits, and defibrillators for sale. If you want to be prepared for any emergency purchase all your safety equipment and an AED defibrillator from Safety Dave today. Shop online or call 1800 072 388 now.
