Total Fire Ban (TFB)
A Total Fire Ban is declared by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services when a fire is likely to spread rapidly (due to extreme fire weather) or if widespread fires are already burning and firefighting resources are stretched.
On a TFB day, all open-air fire activity is prohibited, including campfires, cookers and ovens that use solid fuel like wood or charcoal.
You can find out if a TFB has been declared in your area here, or by calling the TFB information line on 1800 709 355.
What can't you do?
On a Total Fire Ban day you are not allowed to light an open-air fire or conduct any activity that could start a fire. This includes lighting a campfire, using a welder, grinder or incinerator, conducting a burn-off, burning leaves and garden waste, firing up a wood or charcoal BBQ, using a wood-fired pizza oven, driving a vehicle in fire-prone areas and more.
What are the penalties for breaching a Total Fire Ban?
When you breach a Total Fire Ban you not only put people's lives and properties in danger, but you could also face a $1,000 on-the-spot fine. And, if it's a serious breach, you could be fined up to $25,000 and even receive jail time of up to 12 months
Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban (HVMB)
A Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban is a ban that individual local governments are responsible for issuing under the Bush Fires Regulations 1954. The ban will be imposed when the Bushfire Control Officer is of the opinion that the use of engines, vehicles, plant or machinery during the prohibited burning times or the restricted burning times or both is likely to cause a fire or contribute to the spread of a bushfire.
The responsibility remains on the individual to ensure that any activity undertaken is not likely to start a fire and that a Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban is currently not in place in their local government area.
If you are a Shire resident or a contractor and would like to register to receive a notification by SMS of Harvest or Vehicle Movement Bans you can subscribe via our website home page or call our Administration Office on 9835 1022.
A Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban applies to the whole Shire of Jerramungup from 12.01am to 11.59pm on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.