Bushfires

THE SHIRE OF ASHBURTON HAS RESTRICTED BURNING ALL YEAR ROUND

Fires are prohibited all year without a permit other than for the purpose of camping and cooking.

2024/25 Bush Fire Notice

Landowner Requirements 

The Shire administers the Bush Fires Act 1954 which places certain requirements on landowners to minimise the potential for fires to occur.

Bushfires can occur year-round, so bushfire prevention is crucial to maintain community safety. Landowner responsibilities include:

  • Ensuring appropriate firebreaks are maintained
  • Removing inflammable material from land
  • Trimming trees and bushes that overhang accessways, driveways, buildings, and firebreaks

If you fail to comply with the requirements of the Bush Fires Act 1954, you can be issued with an infringement. Furthermore, if Shire staff are required to undertake work on your property to ensure that it complies with the legislation, you may be charged for any costs involved.

Be Bushfire Ready

The Shire of Ashburton has appointed Fire Control Officers (FCO) and Fire Weather Officers (FWO) for areas within and surrounding the Shire boundaries.

Dangerous bushfires can start at any time, so it’s important to understand your risks and have a bushfire plan in place. Consider:

  • When will you leave?
  • What will you take?
  • Where will you go?

It is also important to familiarise yourself with the new fire danger ratings, in effect from 1 September 2022. There are four levels of fire danger in the new system, with necessary actions associated with each.

For more information and resources this bushfire season, visit the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) page.

When Driving

  • Be extremely careful when driving through the area.  
  • Turn your headlights on and drive slowly. 
  • Watch for emergency services personnel and follow their directions.  
  • If you cannot see clearly, pull over, keep your headlights and hazard lights on, and wait until the smoke clears.  
  • If you have a respiratory condition and you have been affected by smoke, you should contact your local doctor or call Health Direct on 1800 022 222. 

More information can be found by clicking here.