Fire Safety & Burning
Fire Danger Season
The South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS) Chief Officer has delegation under the Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005, to declare the Fire Danger Season dates each year, which vary in each Fire Ban District.
Fire Danger Season dates for the Copper Coast
1st November - 30th April
The dates are subject to change as a result of varying factors throughout the Fire Danger period, for example:
- abnormally wet winter causing an increase in growth (density and height) of fire fuel materials
- abnormally dry summer resulting in a reduction in new season growth.
Please refer to the South Australian Country Fire Service website for updates.
Fire Ban Status
During the Fire Danger Season, the CFS will set the Fire Danger Rating every day for each District. Fire Danger Ratings are an indicator of how dangerous a bushfire could be.
Restrictions During Fire Danger Season
During the Fire Danger Season, there are strict controls on the lighting of fires and the use of certain tools and equipment in the open.
A Schedule 9 Permit must be obtained by Council to burn (have a fire and/or fire activities) a day that is not declared a Total Fire Ban. For further information, refer to Fire Permits.
On a Total Fire Ban Day, no burning is permitted and all Fire Permits are automatically revoked.
Check today's fire ban status here.
Where can I burn - Outside of Fire Danger Season
New provisions in the Environment Protection (Air Quality) Policy 2016, aim to minimise smoke impacts in populated areas by providing stronger controls on burning in built-up areas where more people are exposed, and apply year-round. These new laws operate alongside existing laws that apply during the Fire Danger Season under the Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005.
- EPA Air Quality Policy 2016
- Laws for Burning in the Open
- Smoke from domestic heating
- Use Your Wood Heater Properly
If you live INSIDE a township, you can only burn when it is for:
- preparation of food or beverages where the size of the fire and fuel are appropriate for that purpose
- heating an outdoor area using a brazier, chiminea or fire pit – charcoal only
- fire prevention or control (vegetation) – requires council approval (permit or notice)
- disposal of agricultural or forestry waste (vegetation) – requires council approval (permit or notice)
- other – requires council approval (permit or notice)
If you live OUTSIDE a township, you can:
- Use a fire for the preparation of food and beverages
- Use a brazier, chiminea or fire pit for outdoor domestic heating
- Campfire
- Burn agricultural or forestry waste (vegetation) – must comply with relevant CFS Code of Practice
- Burn off for bushfire hazard reduction (vegetation) – must comply with relevant CFS Code of Practice
Please Note: If you burn without a required permit you will be breaking the law and can be fined $300, under section 34 of the Environment Protection Act 1993.
For further information see the maps below.
