Burning off, wood heaters and smoke

You must obtain a permit to burn green waste on your property.

It will only be granted one if there are no other means to dispose the materials.

What you can burn

You are allowed to burn:

  • dried green waste
  • grass
  • scrub
  • tree branches
  • wood (untreated).

The CFA can always help you plan and prepare when the time is right.

Applying for burning off permit

Step 1.Date

Select a burn date that is at least 10 days after you submit the form.

Step 2.Apply

We are currently in a fire danger period, and will not be issuing permits until CFA restrictions ease.

Apply for a permit to burn

We will respond to your application within 5 working days.

Step 3.Property inspection

We will arrange with you a time for one of our assessors to check out your property.

This must be done before a permit can be issued.

Step 4.Conditions

You must comply with any conditions on your permit permit.

A common one is notifying Fire Permits Victoria with details of your burn online or by phoning 1800 668 511.

Step 5.Burn

You are free to burn on your nominated date.

If the weather conditions are too wet, you can call our Local Laws team on 9490 4222 to arrange for an alternative burn date.

Wood heaters and fire pits

If you use a fire pit, chiminea or wood heater on your property, it is important to understand our expectations for community and environmental safety. We have strict Local Law requirements in relation to their use.

You can have an outdoor fire in the open air if:

  • it is for outdoor heating or cooking only
  • it is in a safe and properly-built device specifically designed for outdoor heating or cooking
  • it does not cause excessive smoke
  • it is never left unattended
  • you have plenty of water on hand, ready to put the fire out.

Wood heaters

Buying the right wood heater, using it correctly and maintaining it reduces smoke pollution.

  • Use dry and seasoned timber – no waste timber, off cuts or fence posts.
  • Get the fire hot quickly with plenty of paper and small kindling.
  • Get the flue of your fire cleaned.
  • Avoid overloading the heater or shutting off the air intake, even overnight.

Smoke pollution

If not used properly, fire pits, wood heaters and chimineas can cause excessive smoke that harms people’s health.

Smoke pollution is most likely to affect:

  • people with heart or lung conditions
  • pregnant women
  • young children
  • older people.

Reporting excessive smoke

If you are affected by smoke from a wood heater, fire pit or chiminea, first try to talk to your neighbour first as they may not be aware of the problem.

If this does not solve the issue, contact our Public Health Protection Team on 9490 4222.

Reporting illegal burning off

Illegal burning off is a matter for your local Victoria Police office.

If there is a risk to life or property, call 000.

Contact us

With any questions on getting a permit to burn, contact our Local Laws team on 9490 4222.

Fines and reporting

The fine for burning off without a permit is $400.

Alternatives to burning

Permits to burn are only granted to properties that 2500 square metres or larger.


For smaller properties, an alternative option is to book a bundled branch collection with us (you are entitled to 2 per year).

Household waste

We discourage burning household waste in incinerators.


Unwanted materials should be composted, mulched, recycled or placed in garbage bins.


Find out more about our waste collection services.

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