Bushfire season underway, fire restrictions apply

Landowners and visitors in the Shire of Augusta Margaret River are reminded that the 2021-22 Spring/Summer Restricted Burning Period started at midnight.   This means a Permit to Burns are required for garden refuse burns exceeding one cubic metre, including fires that started before restrictions are not yet extinguished. Campfires and firepits will continue to be permitted on private property during the Restricted Burning Period without a Permit. Garden refuse burns, fire pits, and campfires must only be lit after 6pm and must be fully extinguished by 11pm. Should the Fire Danger Rating exceed High, or if a Total Fire Ban is declared during the Restricted Burning Period, no fires are permitted. Shire Community Emergency Services Manager Adam Jasper said permit requirements and restrictions on fires will remain in place until 22 December 2021, at which point the Shire will enter the Prohibited Burning Period and all fire activities must cease. Prohibitions will again ease on 14 March 2022 when the Shire of Augusta Margaret River enters its Autumn Restricted Burning Period until the close of the fire season on 12 May 2022. “Please ensure you are across all fire compliance requirements by reading the Firebreak Notice Requirements and Bushfire Information for 2021-22,” he said. “The list of restrictions and prohibitions are intended to best preserve lives and homes over the bushfire season. “It doesn’t take much for fire to start and spread in hot and windy weather, but it takes a lot to stop it. “Please prepare your properties and do everything you can to stay aware and informed of fire requirements.” Property owners have until 30 November to ensure their properties are prepared and are compliant to the Notice, with Shire Rangers commencing property inspections in early December. For more information on fire season please refer to https://www.amrshire.wa.gov.au/library/file/2Services/05%20Community%20safety/2021-22%20Firebreak%20Notice%20Requirements%20and%20Bushfire%20Information_FINAL.pdf

Please note key fire dates are subject to change. Updates will be listed on the Shire’s website.