Permit to Light Fire & The Fire Warden
Rural Fire management in Queensland is provided by a network of volunteer fire wardens. In Queensland, there is no designated “fire season” and a permit is required at all times for a fire that is larger than two metres in any direction. These are FREE and easily obtained by contacting the Fire Warden of the Logan Village Fire Warden District.
Carolyn DeBuck on (07) 3200 7444.
The procedures for applying for a permit are:
1. Obtain an “Application for a Permit to Light Fire” from your Fire Warden or in PDF download at the bottom of this page. The application may be made in writing by telephone, facsimilie or orally.
2. Notify each and every neighbour of your intention to burn. Specific details of location, area and special precautions should be provided at this time.
3. If requested, present the completed “Application for a Permit to Light Fire” form to the Fire Warden to obtain a “Permit to Light Fire”. (This is a mandatory requirement in the Logan Village Fire Warden district)
Important notes:
- Only a Fire Warden has the authority to issue a Permit to Light Fire.
- The Fire Warden has no authority to issue a permit outside his/her Fire Warden Area.
- The Fire Warden may impose such conditions on the permit as considered necessary and may direct that the local Rural Fire Brigade take charge of the operation.
- The Fire Warden has the power to issue a permit, even if one or more neighbours object to the burning. In such cases, the Fire Warden must include on the permit, a condition that the neighbours must be given at least two hours prior notice by the permittee, that the fire is to be lit.
- A Fire Warden may cancel a permit at any time, but must do so in writing.
- Rural Fire Service Area Directors have an over-riding authority to issue permits in situations where disputes exist.
- Failure to obtain or comply with conditions of a permit is an offence against the Fire and Rescue Act 1990. Penalties apply.
- Permits are available at no charge.
- The Chief Fire Warden for the local Rural Fire Area may issue a permit where there is no appointed Fire Warden for the area where the fire is to be lit. If a Fire Warden is appointed and available, the Chief Fire Warden has no authority to issue such a permit.
See notes for landholders in Community Saftey for clarification on terms of a neighbouring property.
Fires not requiring a permit
Some fires are exempt from permit, provided adequate precautions are taken to prevent the spread of fire, and that the lighting of the fire conforms with any local government local law.
Exempt fires are those:
- In which neither the height, width nor length of the material to be consumed exceeds two metres.
- Lit for the purpose of burning the carcass of a beast.
- At the sawmill, lit for the purpose of burning sawdust or other residue resulting from the operation of a sawmill.
- Lit outdoors, if enclosed in a fireplace so constructed as to prevent the escape of fire or any burning material
It is advisable to check Local Government Bylaws and Regulations which may be applicable to these types of fires. Penalties apply to the lighting of these fires when they are prohibited under local government local laws, the Health Act 1937, or the Environmental Protection Act 1994.
Download a PDF version of the application for Permit to Light here.
