Frequently Asked Questions

A Total Fire Ban is a ban declared by the Minister of Emergency Services through the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) on days conducive to the outbreak or spread of a bushfire, and/or when there are already widespread fires and firefighting resources are stretched.

Some factors such as higher temperatures and/or predicted strong winds preceding a storm front can lead to a Total Fire Ban to be declared.

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.

The responsibility remains on the individual to ensure that the activity undertaken will not cause a fire, and that a ban is not currently in place.

PENALTIES APPLY IF YOU IGNORE OR COMMIT AN OFFENCE DURING AN ACTIVE BAN IN YOUR LOCALITY.

View what is ALLOWED, how to CHECK if there is a ban here

Find further details via http://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/totalfirebans.

Harvest Vehicle Movement Bans are bans declared by the Local Chief Bushfire Control Officer (CBFCO) and may be issued in conjunction with a Total Fire Ban prohibiting the use and movement of engines, vehicles, plant, or machinery.

The responsibility remains on the individual to ensure that the activity undertaken will not cause a fire, and that a ban is not currently in place.

PENALTIES APPLY IF YOU IGNORE OR COMMIT AN OFFENCE DURING AN ACTIVE BAN IN YOUR LOCALITY.

View what is ALLOWED, how to CHECK if there is a ban here

Find further details via https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/site/bushfire/ruralfarmfire.html#vehicle-movement-bans

Dates may be subject to change due to prevailing weather conditions. 

NOTE: NO BURNING PERMITTED WHEN FIRE RATING IS HIGH OR ABOVE | TOTAL FIRE BAN DECLARED

All current dates and further details via https://www.kalamunda.wa.gov.au/our-city/fire/dates

If you have any queries or are unsure, please call the City on (08) 9257 9999 prior to undertaking any activities.

The Notice is distributed and available:

• Each year with your Rates.
• On the City of Kalamunda website.
• At the City of Kalamunda libraries.
• At the City of Kalamunda recreation centres.
• At various community engagement events.
• At the City’s administration office front desk.

Find current Fire Hazard Reduction notice and information via kalamunda.wa.gov.au/fire-hazard-reduction-notice

A variation is an approved document that outlines alternative measures taken by the property owner against the current Fire Hazard Reduction Notice for fire mitigation.

NOTE: A variation is not an exemption, and you must outline the other methods you plan to undertake.

Once approved, variations are valid for the time of ownership of the property, if the property is sold (new owners) the variation becomes void. If the applicant fails to adhere to the specified conditions,  the City may revoke the variation. Grazing is subject to specified conditions and all grasses will need to be slashed no later than December 1st each year

Find all details including the options on how to apply for a variation via https://www.kalamunda.wa.gov.au/our-city/fire/variations

Low Threat Minimal Fuel Conditions is to allow for working properties that fit the criteria to be recognised.

Low Threat Minimal Fuel Condition areas can seek approval for a variation under this classification.

The variation is not an exclusion to not comply with the City of Kalamunda (the City) annual Fire Hazard Reduction Notice (the Notice), but an agreement that the City accepts there is insufficient fuel available to significantly increase the severity of a bushfire attack and other means are in place to stop the spread or increasing the intensity of a bushfire within the City.

These property types are:

• Land which is prominently grassland but managed in a minimal fuel condition. (Maintained Green Lawns and Golf courses)
• Working Vineyards,
• Working Orchards,
• Cultivated Gardens,
• Commercial Nurseries,

Note: Only to apply to areas greater than 5000 m² and applies from 1 November through to 31 March of each year. Hobby farms do not qualify. 

Permits to burn are required during restricted burning periods for burning activities. Residents are able to burn a 1m³ pile from 6pm - 11pm without a permit.

NOTE: RESIDENTS NEED TO FOLLOW ALL CONDITIONS BEFORE BURNING.

There is NO burning permitted including garden refuse piles when:

• a Total Fire Ban or Harvest & Vehicle Movement Ban has been declared.
• the Fire Danger Rating is High or above
• winds exceed 15km/h
  

Find all information on current burning periods and applicable conditions and how to apply for a permit via https://www.kalamunda.wa.gov.au/our-city/fire/dates

Under the Bush Fires Act 1954 and the Bush Fires Regulations 1954 are requirements that all permit holders must adhere to. Additionally, and depending on the size of your pile or the type of burning activity (running fires), there may be additional planning and/or requirements you will need to follow.

Find all information on requirements and tips on burning via https://www.kalamunda.wa.gov.au/our-city/fire/dates

Burning is permitted, inline with conditions include:

• Garden refuse/waste piles
• Bush
• Paddocks (grass/stubble)
  

NO Burning of the following items at any time include:

• Plastics
• Tyres
• ¹Copper chrome arsenate (CCA) treated timber or materials
• Pallets
• General rubbish and/or junk
• Any garden refuse that has not come from the property
• Commercial waste
• ²Wet/damp garden refuse causing a smoke nuisance
• Large stumps and logs (these may continue to burn for an extended period of time falling outside of the permit conditions).
• Verges
  

If you do wish to undertake work to improve the condition or appearance of the verge, please contact the City of Kalamunda Parks and Environmental Services on (08) 9257 9999 during working hours, to seek approval prior to any work commences.

Find more information about verge maintenance and guidelines via https://www.kalamunda.wa.gov.au/our-city/environment/verge-street-trees

Find all information on requirements and tips on burning via https://www.kalamunda.wa.gov.au/our-city/fire/dates

¹Burning CCA treated wood creates toxic smoke that can be hazardous to health
²If your fire has wet material or is otherwise poorly managed, it can lead to excessive levels of smoke and can result in a neighbourhood nuisance. If the level of smoke is deemed to be creating a nuisance the City may issue an infringement.

The Fire Hazard Reduction Notice (the Notice) is a Notice issued under section 33 of the Bush Fires Act 1954 and is a Notice to all landowners and/or occupiers outlining requirements that are to be undertaken in preparation for the bushfire seasons.

Find all information on current Fire Hazard Reduction notices and requirements via kalamunda.wa.gov.au/fire-hazard-reduction-notice

Your property must be prepared before 1 November each year and be maintained up to and including 31 March the following year.

Find all information on current Fire Hazard Reduction notices and requirements via kalamunda.wa.gov.au/fire-hazard-reduction-notice

If you know, suspect or are unsure whether you live at a property with environmental sensitivities or you plan to clear part of your property you MUST enquire first with the relevant agencies or departments prior to starting any works. There is legislation in place to protect the environment and land in Western Australia and without prior approval or authorisation you may face penalties.

Find all information on current Fire Hazard Reduction notices and requirements via kalamunda.wa.gov.au/fire-hazard-reduction-notice

This will depend on what work you are planning to complete. In certain areas of the State, removing or modifying vegetation may conflict with environmental and heritage values.

Refer to the Guide for applying the Bush Fire Risk Treatment Standards to assist with what can be done around your home.

Further information on current Fire Hazard Reduction notices and requirements can be found via kalamunda.wa.gov.au/fire-hazard-reduction-notice

Under section 33 of the Bush Fires Act 1954 all landowners and/or occupiers are to have prepared and maintained on their land fire breaks along with any other fire hazards as notified to you by an authorised Community Bushfire Preparedness Officer.

The assessments are conducted with the aim of reducing the risk of a bushfire that may impact people, the environment, and infrastructure.

Find all information on current Fire Hazard Reduction notices and requirements via kalamunda.wa.gov.au/fire-hazard-reduction-notice

Yes.
Community Bushfire Preparedness Officers under section 14 of the Bush Fires Act 1954 are authorised to enter any land for the purpose of examining firebreaks, anything which is considered to be a fire hazard and any other things necessary for the purpose of the Bush Fires Act 1954.

Community Bushfire Preparedness Officers conduct themselves professionally and endeavour to work with residents and landowners where possible.

Find all information on current Fire Hazard Reduction notices and requirements via kalamunda.wa.gov.au/fire-hazard-reduction-notice

If you are not home a City Community Bushfire Preparedness Officer will leave a door hanger by/on your door, with a letter to let you know they have attended the property.

If the property is marked as compliant at the time of their visit you will receive no further communication.

If your property is assessed to be non-compliant or inaccessible you will receive written correspondence outlining any action/s you will need to take to ensure your property is compliant and bushfire ready, which will be sent via Australia Post.

Find all information on current Fire Hazard Reduction notices and requirements via kalamunda.wa.gov.au/fire-hazard-reduction-notice

All Community Bushfire Preparedness Officers within the City are identifiable by the following:

• Equipment & Clothing: Officers will be dressed appropriately in personal protective equipment (PPE) and personal protective clothing (PPC) to ensure the city meets its occupational health and safety requirements and to ensure all officers are visible in public.
• Vehicles: All City Vehicles provided for the purpose of conducting fire compliance and emergency management activities are fit for purpose and appropriately marked with the City Logo.

Find all information on current Fire Hazard Reduction notices and requirements via kalamunda.wa.gov.au/fire-hazard-reduction-notice

Officers aim to strategically assess properties across all suburbs within the City and due to the large number of properties to be assessed we cannot accommodate bookings in advance.

Find all information on current Fire Hazard Reduction notices and requirements via kalamunda.wa.gov.au/fire-hazard-reduction-notice

After a fire hazard assessment has been completed and if any fire hazards have been identified by the Community Bushfire Preparedness Officer, you will receive a notice in the mail of non-compliance (Work Order). This Notice will outline the actions that need to be taken.

If you do not receive a work order, then continue to maintain the property in line with the Notice requirements.

If you have any questions regarding property preparedness or regarding a work order you have received, contact the city's Community Bushfire Preparedness Officers on (08) 9257 9999 during business hours or email at enquiries@kalamunda.wa.gov.au.

Find all information on current Fire Hazard Reduction notices and requirements via kalamunda.wa.gov.au/fire-hazard-reduction-notice

The City does not provide extensions for work orders,

City of Kalamunda Fire Hazard Reduction Notice is sent out to all Residents annually with their Rates, a copy is available through the City's website, and hard copies are available at local libraries as well as the City's administration building.

The issuing of the Fire Hazard Reduction Notice gives residents generous time to have the works outline within the Notice completed by 1st November. All works will need to be maintained up to and including March 31st the follow year.

Find all information on current Fire Hazard Reduction notices and requirements via kalamunda.wa.gov.au/fire-hazard-reduction-notice

It is still expected that while you are the owner of the property up until the final day of settlement the Notice requirements are completed. New owners after settlement will then be required to comply with the current Notice requirements.

Find all information on current Fire Hazard Reduction notices and requirements via kalamunda.wa.gov.au/fire-hazard-reduction-notice

The City of Kalamunda has a Contractor List available that has been prepared to assist residents in the City of Kalamunda to meet their obligations as property owners and is for information only.

NOTE: The City accepts no liability, nor endorses or recommends any of the contractors on this list.

View/Download current Contractor List

Find all information on current Fire Hazard Reduction notices and requirements via kalamunda.wa.gov.au/fire-hazard-reduction-notice

Failure to comply with this notice is an offence under the Bush Fires Act 1954 and can result in a penalty of up to $5000. The City may also carry out the requisitions of the Notice that are not complied with, and any costs and expenses incurred will be recovered from you as the owner and/or occupier of the land.

Find all information on current Fire Hazard Reduction notices and requirements via kalamunda.wa.gov.au/fire-hazard-reduction-notice

A strip of land free of all flammable and combustible material with the intention of preventing the outbreak of a bush fire and provides a visible safe access on the property for emergency vehicles and other firefighting operations. Clearance must be no less than 3-metres wide and 4-metres in height inside and along all boundaries (including boundaries adjacent to roads, rail and drain reserves and all public open space reserves).

A firebreak is used for firefighting techniques and access to fire appliances in the event of an emergency incident. These breaks must be in a continuous, trafficable form meaning a large vehicle can drive continuously and safely in one direction within the perimeter of the property and end up where they started.

Fire breaks are installed and utilised for several important reasons.

• Safe access for firefighting vehicles to park or move around a property.
• Supports fuel load management such as planned burning.
• Supports firefighting operations such as back burning.
• May slow or stop the spread of a low intensity fire.

Fire breaks may be constructed by one or more of the following methods:

• Ploughing
• Cultivating
• Scarifying
• Racking
• Chemical spraying
• or another method as approved by an Authorised Officer.

Find a more detailed guide on constructing and upgrading fire breaks via DFES - https://publications.dfes.wa.gov.au/publications/a-guide-to-constructing-and-maintaining-fire-breaks

Grasses if not maintained can pose a high risk for fires to move fast across land and properties.

Short grasses that are well maintained (kept short throughout bushfire season) aims to reduce the speed at which grass fires can travel. A less intense fire will give a property a chance to be defended or for a fire to be brought under control quicker.

The intensity at which a fire will burn is largely due to 3 factors:

• weather,
• topography, and;
• the condition of the vegetation.

If vegetation is dead, dry, and built up over time, a fire has a higher chance of spreading faster, burning hotter and increasing flame height which impact trees, shrubs, and homes.

By reducing the dead flammable material or matter across your property, it increases the chance your property will survive a bushfire or that firefighters may be able to defend your property safely. 

8 tonne per hectare is a measurement used to identify the approximate fuel loading on a piece of land and can be measured using the City’s Fuel Load Depth Gauge toolkit.

Generally speaking, 8 tonne per hectare is equivalent to a depth of 15mm from the top layer of fine fuels down to the mineral earth.

For further information on verges and reserves, please refer to the City's Bushfire Management section via https://www.kalamunda.wa.gov.au/building-development/city-assets/maintenance

In relation to overhanging branches, the Dividing Fences Act 1961 and the Citizens Advice Bureau provides residence assistance in these instances.

Local Government is generally not involved in relation to trees on boundaries of private property as there is existing legislation and mechanisms in place to manage these issues. Refer to the Building Information Sheet 11: Trees for further details.

The Legal Aid website provides a guide regarding common questions about neighbour’s overhanging tree branches and roots.

Further information can be obtained from - www.legalaid.wa.gov.au

All properties in the City from 1 November until 31 March each year are subject to a fire hazard assessment against the Fire Hazard Reduction Notice.

Community Bushfire Preparedness Officers aim to strategically assess properties across All suburbs within the City and do so starting with Properties that are most at risk from the threat of bushfire.

• You can report a bushfire hazard by completing the form via the City's Report It section 
• To report a bushfire hazard in National or Regional Parks, or other state-owned land it’s advisable to directly contact the agency that manages that land as the City won’t have jurisdiction.

Property owners and/or residents may be asked by notice to reduce, remove, or relocate other fire hazards identified by a Community Bushfire Preparedness Officer on the property.

Storing mulch piles on your property can become a significant fire hazard if not stored sensibly or monitored regularly. Large piles of mulch can spontaneously combust due to heat build-up or catch alight from embers should a bushfire threaten the area.

Some tips for storing mulch piles:

• Limit the pile height as much as possible to allow sufficient ventilation.
• Spread the mulch out in a relatively thin layer (ensure you don’t exceed 8 tonne per hectare).
• Place the pile away from direct sunlight to reduce the amount of heat build-up inside the pile and prevent rapid evaporation from sun exposure. Be mindful not to relocate under low hanging branches or amongst leaf litter and other vegetation. This will cause an additional fire hazard.
• Install a bare earth fire break around the pile to reduce the potential of fire spread.
• Have a dedicated storage area that is far from your house (outside your APZ)
• Check it frequently to ensure it is not showing signs of smouldering. A temperature probe may aid in detecting hot spots in the pile.

Storing wood piles in preparation for the next winter is common practice in the hills however wood can create a significant fire hazard to your home. Wood piles can also become a home for rodents, pests and termites if not stored sensibly.

Some tips on storing wood piles:

• Store it away (outside your Asset Protection Zone) from your house and garage to reduce the risk of a fire hazard, along with pests and termites being brought into your home.
• Have a dedicated storage shed or area that can be fully enclosed to reduce embers or running fires spreading into your pile.
• Stack your pile neat and loosely off the ground.

Garden refuse piles that have accumulated over time or as a result of conducting works on the property in line with the current Notice will need to be removed. Garden refuse presents a high fire risk that can increase flame height and fire spread.

Fuel Load can be live and dead vegetation that accumulates over time. Some examples are:

• Grass
• Leaf litter on the ground
• Small shrubs and scrub
• Trees, logs, stumps, and bark
• Decomposing humus and duff (fine fuels)

The purpose of fuel load reduction is to reduce the impact that bushfires can have on life, property, and the environment. Reducing and managing fuel loads can also increase the chances of your property surviving a bushfire.

The more fuel available to a fire, the hotter and faster the fire can burn making it much harder to bring under control. If fuel loads are reduced it can help reduce a fires rate of spread (how quickly it travels) and reduce how far it might spot ahead of the main fire (how far the fire can jump).

If burning is not an option or you prefer other methods to reduce fuel loads, there are other ways you can consider doing this around your house and property.

1. Book a skip bin for garden waste or if small pile use your household bin.
2. Filling up the trailer and taking it to the transfer station or tip.
3. Organising a contractor or gardener to complete works for you.
4. Mulching and composting

Solid fuel refers to the product used to fuel the fire, examples may be wood, coal, synthetic char, wood pallets etc.

The Use of Solid Fuel BBQs, Pizza Ovens and Smokers for cooking can be used any time however must still follow the regulations below:

• Solid Fuel BBQs, Pizza Ovens and Smokers are NOT TO BE USED on days declared a Total Fire Ban.
• Solid Fuel BBQs, Pizza Ovens and Smokers are NOT TO BE USED on days when the Fire Danger Rating is High or above.
• The area surrounding the BBQ, Pizza Oven or Smoker is clear up to 5m of flammable material and a water source is nearby.
• Suitable precautions are taken so that no nuisance smoke arises.

check out the City of Kalamunda Information Sheet: Use of Household Fire Pits, Solid Fuel BBQs, Pizza Ovens & Smokers

Check EmergencyWA website for current Fire Danger Ratings and to if any bans are active in your area.

To help plan ahead for your next burn DFES offer a Burn SMART guide that will support your preparation for a safe burn.

The City's Community Bushfire Preparedness team organise several bushfire engagement events that residents can attend to help with bushfire planning and preparation. These are usually held around September and October.

Being impacted by a bushfire big or small can be stressful and it can be difficult to make decisions when under pressure. Preparing for this pressure is crucial and every person, family, pets and animals should have in place a plan to cater for potential impact of a bushfire.

Knowing the right number to call can save time and can help you get assistance quickly.

These include:

Emergency WA: For all emergency warnings for bushfires, storms, cyclones, floods, prescribed burns, hazardous material incidents and more. The site can also provide alerts for declared Total Fire Bans across the State and Fire Danger Ratings.

Bureau of Meteorology: For all weather conditions and alerts including storms, cyclones, and heatwaves. The site also in the main service for Fire Danger Ratings.

ABC Local Radio: Will communicate emergency broadcast across all radio programs approximately every 15 minutes.

The City of Kalamunda has established an Emergency Management SMS System to help notify residents of the latest bushfire safety and emergency management information.

The service is opt-in for residents. The SMS system is for out-bound messages only and is not a method for contacting the City.

Register with the City's SMS here^*

Residents are advised that the SMS System is a supplementary service only and should not be relied upon for emergency planning or in the place of emergency broadcasts.

Residents are still responsible for ensuring they remain up-to-date on all fire danger ratings and bushfire emergencies, restrictions and alerts.

Visit EmergencyWA website for current and up-to-date information.

^* If the SMS Register link doesn't load copy and paste - https://www.kalamunda.wa.gov.au/residents/prepare/city-sms-register into you browser.

It is vital that you include your pets in your emergency plans.

The City have compiled a number of resources and tips to assist residents in preparing their pets in an emergency.

Find these via our Pets & Animals section of the website

For all non-life-threatening emergencies call the SES on 13 25 00. The SES can assist if your roof is leaking heavily, or your house is being flooded. The SES can also assist if a tree has fallen on your house or driveway. The SES will assist if after a storm your house has been damaged and needs temporary repairs that you cannot fix yourself. 

If you disagree with your bushfire infringement you have the opportunity to appeal it.

There is information provided including the non-appealable grounds before appealing an Infringement Notice.

Your appeal must be in writing and should be submitted by completing the relevant Infringement Appeal Form.

Find further details on infringements and how to appeal it here^*

^* If the above link doesn't load, please copy and paste the following URL into your browser: https://www.kalamunda.wa.gov.au/infringements