Total Fire Bans and Barbecues

This year there is potential for the Country Fire Service (CFS) to declare Tuesday 25 December a total fire ban day. This may impact you if you’re planning to host a BBQ.   Please read the information below to help plan ahead and ensure Christmas Day is a fun and safe time for friends and family.

When a total fire ban day is declared, the use of solid fuel outdoor cookers (Webers, pizza ovens etc) is prohibited without a permit.

Gas and electric BBQs and cookers can be used throughout summer in accordance to safe operational practices.   If Christmas is a Total Fire Ban Day for the Metropolitan Area, you will need to adhere to the following cooking restrictions:  

Wood/Solid Fuel Barbecues (Webers)

Use of all wood and solid fuel barbecues (e.g. kettle type, Weber) is prohibited on Total Fire Ban Days without a permit.

The CFS does not consider cooking to be an emergency activity and recommends people should plan to use gas or electric cooking methods as a backup.  

Permits

Unley Council does not have the authorisation to issue permits, you will need to contact the CFS directly.

Note that all permits issued automatically become void if an extreme or catastrophic fire danger day is declared by the CFS.  

Gas/Electric Barbecues

Gas or electric barbecues may be used on Total Fire Ban Days under the following conditions:

Within 15 metres of domestic premises*, or On a coastal foreshore

providing you have:

A four metre cleared area around and above the barbeque, A responsible person is in attendance at all times with water or an extinguisher at hand, and The barbecue is completely extinguished before leaving the area.

* Domestic premises means a building or other structure that is fixed to the ground and connected to a reticulated or stored water supply and that is occupied as a place of residence but does not include a caravan.

More information

The CFS identifies the fire ratings for an upcoming day at 4pm the day prior. Visit the SACFS website for the latest district Bans and Ratings.

More information on what you can and can't do on a Total Fire Ban Day can also be viewed on the SACFS website.

To check the weather forecast for the festive season, visit the Bureau of Meteorology website.