Controlled burning

Burning vegetation may require approval from AlburyCity and a Fire Permit from the relevant fire authority. These are separate requirements and you may need both.

Before lighting a fire:

• check whether burning is permitted at your location
• obtain any required Council burning approval
• obtain any required Fire Permit
• check whether a Total Fire Ban or other restriction is in place
• notify the relevant fire authority and adjoining neighbours
• check the weather and fire danger rating
• comply with all conditions attached to your approval or permit
• make sure the fire can be safely controlled and supervised.

Whether you need approval from AlburyCity depends on your location, the type of material being burnt and the purpose of the burn.

Check the fire district map to determine whether your property is within a Fire and Rescue NSW Fire District or an NSW Rural Fire Service district.

Properties within a NSW Rural Fire Service district

Under AlburyCity’s current controlled burning requirements, Council approval is generally not required for a controlled vegetation burn outside the Bush Fire Danger Period.

Council approval is also generally not required for:

• agricultural burning, including stubble or diseased crops
• burning an animal carcass where disease was the cause of death
• a small recreational fire used for cooking or heating

Other approvals, fire permits, notifications and restrictions may still apply. Contact us before burning if you are unsure.

You generally need a Fire Permit:

• throughout the year if the property is within a Fire and Rescue NSW Fire District
• during the Bush Fire Danger Period if the property is within an NSW Rural Fire Service district
• at any time if the proposed fire is likely to endanger a building.

The statutory Bush Fire Danger Period generally runs from 1 October to 31 March. It may begin earlier or be extended because of local conditions.

Obtaining Council approval does not remove the need to obtain a Fire Permit.

It is illegal to burn:

• domestic waste
• building materials
• tyres, including shredded tyres
• coated wire
• paint containers or paint residue
• solvent containers or solvent residue
• treated timber
• material in an incinerator where incinerator use is prohibited.

Only dry, dead vegetation from your property may be considered for an approved vegetation burn. Do not burn wet or green vegetation, household rubbish, plastics, chemicals or construction waste.

Open burning is regulated under the:

At least 24 hours before lighting the fire, notify:

• the NSW Rural Fire Service or your local Fire and Rescue NSW station
• AlburyCity, where required by your Council approval
• residents of properties adjoining the burn site, including properties separated by a road, lane or waterway.

Your notification should explain:

• where the burn will take place
• why you are burning
• when the fire will be lit
• how long you expect the burn to continue.

The conditions of your Fire Permit or Council approval may require additional notice.

On the day of the burn

Before lighting the fire:

• check whether a Total Fire Ban or other restriction is in place
• check the fire danger rating and forecast weather
• do not burn in strong or changing winds
• establish a cleared area around the material
• have suitable water and firefighting equipment available
• keep the approval and Fire Permit at the property
• supervise the fire at all times
• prevent smoke from unreasonably affecting neighbours or roads.

Do not light the fire if conditions are unsafe, even if you have received approval.

A Fire Permit may be suspended or cancelled because of weather conditions or fire risk.

Controlled burning requirements

AlburyCity regulates vegetation burning to reduce air pollution, protect public safety and encourage alternatives such as recycling, mulching, composting and appropriate green-waste disposal.