A Total Fire Ban may be declared when fires are most likely to threaten lives and property due to adverse weather conditions or when widespread fires are stretching firefighting resources.

A Total Fire Ban is imposed as a risk based prevention measure to restrict activities and reduce the likelihood of ignition in bushland/vegetation and increase awareness in the wider community on the day the ban is declared. 

A Total Fire Ban (TFB) is declared by the Minister for Emergency Services through the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) on days of extreme weather or when widespread fires are seriously stretching firefighting resources. Total Fire Ban can be declared at any time of the year.

Total Fire Bans affect everyone, whether you live near the bush or in built up urban areas.  It is important to check daily for any Total Fire Bans declared for your area.

General Facts

• Total Fire Bans usually start at midnight and last for 24 hours.

• The need for the ban is assessed throughout the day and may be revoked or extended depending on conditions.

• Any burning permits held by residents/landowners are suspended until the ban is over.

• It is your responsibility to check for any bans that have been declared for your area prior to undertaking any activities that is likely to start or contribute to the spread of a bushfire.

• If found to be breaching conditions of a Total Fire Ban an on the spot fine of $1000 may be issued.

NOT PERMITTED

It is illegal to light an open-air fire or carry out any activity that causes or is likely to cause a fire. 

• No BURNING | FIRES | HOT WORKS

• When a Total Fire Ban is declared it is illegal to light any open-air fires or any other activities that may start or cause a fire. The ban includes all open fires for the purpose of cooking or camping. It also includes incinerators, welding, grinding, soldering or gas cutting.

• Any burning permits held by residents/landowners are suspended until the ban is over.

Find detailed information via https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/totalfirebans/

Where to Check?

Keep updated - bans are assessed throughout the day and may be revoked or extended depending on conditions.

• Check www.emergency.wa.gov.au for latest warnings and incidents

• Contact the TFB Hotline on 1800 709 355.

• Contact the Department of Fire and Emergency Services on 133 337.

• Follow DFES on Facebook or Twitter.

• Check the City of Kalamunda Facebook, news/notices section of website or call the office on 9257 9999.

• Listen to the local ABC radio station and other media outlets.

• Keep a look out for the roadside Fire Danger Rating signs located across the City of Kalamunda.

• 1Register for the City of Kalamunda SMS service for fire safety alerts. 

Find more via https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/totalfirebans/

Exemptions

DFES have the ability to provide exemptions for businesses, public authorities or industries not prescribed in the Bush Fires Regulations 1954. Conditions apply and must be followed to ensure the risk of a fire starting does not occur.  Find out more via https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/totalfirebans/#exemptions

Fines | Penalty

The penalty for breaching a Total Fire Ban can be an on the spot fine of $1000 by police, local government of DFES or upon conviction a maximum penalty of $25,000 and/or jail.

If you see someone acting in a manner that may be breaching the Total Fire Ban conditions you can report it to:

• 000 (if it has the potential to threaten life and/or property)

• DFES Total Fire Ban Hotline on 1800 709 355

• The City of Kalamunda office on 9257 9999

• If the behaviour is related to arson, report this to police immediately.

Emergency WA

ABC radio emergency broadcast live radio

DFES Facebook page

DFES website

Bureau of Meteorology

City of Kalamunda