Permit to burn

How to apply

Email

Step 1.Check you require a permit

You will need to apply for a permit to burn if you wish to burn within a Fire Restriction Zone or any part of the municipal district which is zoned commercial, industrial or residential under Council’s Planning Scheme.

Check if you live in a Fire Restriction Zone

Step 2.Check the fire danger period

If the fire danger period has been declared, fire restrictions are in force. You cannot light a fire in the open air unless you have a permit issued by CFA. During the Fire Danger Period Council will NOT issue permits to burn.

Step 3.Download and complete the application form

Application for permit to burn (outside Fire Danger Period)(PDF, 140KB)

Step 4.Email us

Email your completed application form to
locallaws@swanhill.vic.gov.au

In person

Step 1.Check you require a permit

Check if you live in a Fire Restriction Zone.

Step 2.Check the fire danger period

Step 3.Download and complete the application form

Application for permit to burn (outside Fire Danger Period)(PDF, 140KB)

Step 4.Visit us

Bring your completed application form to

Customer service

45 Splatt Street
Swan Hill
VIC 3585

72 Herbert Street
Robinvale
VIC 3549

View our opening hours

Fees

No permit fee is required.

What happens next?

Assessment

A Council Officer will contact you to perform an inspection of your property and the area you are applying to burn
Once your application has been assessed, you will be advised in writing if a permit will be issued to you
Please allow up to 7 business days for processing

Before burning off

Ensure you're following regulations or laws by CFA and Council
Ensure you notify your neighbours if your activity will generate fire and smoke
Check the weather forecast for the day of the activity and a few days afterwards
Establish a gap in vegetation or fire break with no less than three metres cleared of all flammable material
Ensure the burning area is adequately monitored and an adequate number of persons and adequate fire suppression equipment or appliances is be present
Notify Triple Zero Victoria about your plans to conduct a burn to prevent unnecessary fire brigade responses. Call 1800 668 511 or visit Fire Permits Victoria to register your burn.

What happens if I get caught burning without a permit?

Authorised Officers may impose an on the spot fine for burning within the fire zones without a permit. Heavy penalties apply for people burning on a Total Fire Ban days or during the Fire Danger Period.

Find out what you can and can't do on during the Fire Danger Period, visit the CFA website