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Fire Management

Fire Infomation 

For current emergency alerts and warnings refer to https://www.emergency.wa.gov.au/

to report a fire or other life-threatening emergency dial 000, Do not contact the shire or FCOs directly. 

Gazetted Burning Periods

    Gazetted Burning Periods 

    The gazette dates for the restrictive and prohibited burning times for the Shire of Coorow have been considered by Staff and relevant Fire Control Officers from the Coorow Brigade, Green Head Brigade, Leeman Brigade, Warradarge Brigade, and Chief Bush Fire Control Officer Kelvin Bean.

    Shire of Coorow residents and landowners can burn during the dates below subject to conditions.

    NOTE: the dates reflect prevailing conditions and are subject to change. Before lighting a fire ensure you check conditions and if unsure contact the shire 

    NOTE: Burning is prohibited when the fire danger rating is high and above or a total fire ban is declared

    BURNING PERMITTED 31st March – 18th of September.    

     » Burning permitted. recommendations in place 

    BURNING RESTRICTED 19th September – 1st November  

     » Permits required to burn for activities conducted during the day or evening when piles exceed 1m3.

     » Permits must still be obtained for garden refuse piles under 1m3.

    BURNING PROHIBITED 1st November – 28th February      

     » NO Burning activities allowed at any time. Report all signs of smoke to 000.

    BURNING RESTRICTED 28th February – 31st March          

     » Permits required to burn for activities conducted during the day or evening when piles exceed 1m3.

     » Permits must still be obtained for garden refuse piles under 1m3.

    BURNING PERMITTED 31st march – 18th of September   

     » Burning permitted. recommendations in place 

    Burning During Restricted Periods

    When burning within a restricted period the following responsibilities are understood 

    • A permit must be obtained by contacting the shire office at (08) 9952 0100
    • Permits are suspended on days of HIGH fire danger and above and When a Total Fire Ban or Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban is Declared 
    • The Permit holder is REQUIRED to notify 000 if they lose control of their burn at any stage 

    Please note that these requirements must be followed in line with the Permit regulations. 

    Harvest & Vehicle Movement Bans

    HARVEST AND OFF-ROAD ACTIVITY BAN INFORMATION

    The Shire of Coorow  Fire Control Officers have the following powers under the BUSH FIRES REGULATIONS 1954 .               

    REGULATION 24C – NOTICE TO BAN THE USE OF ENGINES, VEHICLES, PLANT OR MACHINERY LIKELY TO CAUSE A BUSH FIRE WHEN A TOTAL FIRE BAN IS DECLARED

    REGULATION 38A – NOTICE TO BAN THE USE OF ENGINES, VEHICLES, PLANT OR MACHINERY LIKELY TO CAUSE A BUSH FIRE DURING THE RESTRICTED AND PROHIBITED BURNING TIMES

    Harvest and Off Road Activity Bans are declared by a Fire Control Officer and in consultation with the Shire. They can be declared when fire weather conditions are most likely to threaten lives and property or when a fire is already underway and firefighting resources are committed. Special conditions and exemptions may apply depending on the type and reason for the ban.

    Please note that Brand Mudge Road is the reference we use for the east and west sector of the Harvest and Off-Road Activity Bans.

    For information relating to Total Fire Bans visit  https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/hazard-information/bushfire/total-fire-ban

    To be notified of a ban please contact the Shire to be added to the text message group.

    Permitted Areas of Work During all Bans

    Use or operation of any vehicle on gazetted roads, lanes, driveways, yards, or other areas that provide access to, or a parking facility at, any residential, farming or business premises, if the area has been sufficiently cleared of inflammable material to prevent the escape of fire.

    Definitions:

    Off-Road: Includes areas such as paddocks, bushland, uncleared land and land with stubble or long grass.

    Off-Road Activity: Includes the use of anything activated by an internal combustion engine used off-road. e.g. Motorbikes, quad bikes, excavators, chainsaws, ride-on mowers and generators.

    Firebreaks - Bush Fires Act 1954 (as amended)

    Firebreaks - Bush Fires Act 1954 (as amended)

    Following is an overview of your legal requirements under the Bush Fires Act 1954. As a measure to assist in the control of bushfires, or preventing the spread or extension of a bushfire, all landowners/occupiers of land within the Shire of Coorow must ensure they meet requirements under Section 33 of the Bush Fires Act.
    Notice is hereby given to all landowners/occupiers within the Shire of Coorow that you are required on or before 31 October to plough, scarify, cultivate, or otherwise clear a firebreak and thereafter maintain clear of all flammable material up to and including 29 March as per requirements about Section 33 of the above.

    Please find the 2023/2024 Firebreak notice here

    Preparing your firebreak 

    Firebreaks are there to reduce the spread of a low-intensity fire and to provide safe access on your property for firefighters, so they must be maintained and kept clear of all obstacles and flammable materials.

    Firefighters must be able to use the firebreak on days of strong winds or extreme conditions. It is generally accepted that a 3m firebreak will be unlikely to stop a wildfire, however, it assists firefighters. The more fire prevention work you undertake, the greater the chance of your family and property surviving a fire.

    Such firebreaks may be constructed by one or more of the following methods:

    • Ploughing 
    • Cultivating 
    • Scarifying 
    • Raking 
    • Burning 
    • Chemical Spraying 
    • or another approved method

    All property owners/occupiers must comply with this notice from 31 October each year and maintain the compliance

    until 31 March the following year.