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Fetching the latest fire danger and ban data.
Fetching the latest fire danger and ban data.
In NSW, fire risk is managed by the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) under the Rural Fires Act 1997. The state uses two temporal triggers: the Bush Fire Danger Period (BFDP, typically Oct–March) and Total Fire Ban (TOBAN) days. On a TOBAN, the objective is the total elimination of preventable ignition sources in the open air — which legally includes balconies, pergolas, and carports.
Common activities and their restrictions.
Gas & Electric BBQs (Private Property)
Allowed if within 20m of a permanent dwelling, 2m clearance of all combustible material, continuous water supply (hose or large container), and a responsible adult present at all times.
NPWS Fixed Gas BBQs in Parks
Fixed gas BBQ units provided by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) are permitted during a TOBAN, subject to clearance and water supply rules.
Indoor Cooking
Fully enclosed kitchens (four walls and a roof) are unrestricted. Note: pergolas, balconies, and carports are legally considered "open air" in NSW.
National Park Entry
Parks may close completely on Catastrophic fire danger days. Park Fire Bans can be declared independently of a statewide TOBAN.
Visitor-Owned BBQs in National Parks
During a TOBAN, visitor-owned gas and electric BBQs are generally prohibited in National Parks. Only NPWS-provided fixed units are allowed.
Harvest Safety Alerts
Advisory (not mandatory) when fire danger reaches "High" or above. RFS recommends ceasing harvest when the Fire Behaviour Index (FBI) reaches 40. Failure to comply may be cited in civil negligence proceedings.
Hot Works (Exemptions)
The RFS Commissioner may issue specific exemptions for critical infrastructure or industrial operations (e.g., sugar cane harvesting), published in the NSW Government Gazette.
Green Waste Burning (Non-Ban)
Backyard burning is strictly prohibited in Sydney, Wollongong, and Newcastle under the Clean Air Regulation. In other areas, only dry, dead vegetation may be burned. A fire permit is mandatory during the Bush Fire Danger Period (BFDP).
All Solid Fuel Appliances
Wood, charcoal, heat beads, and briquettes are categorically prohibited. This includes wood-fired pizza ovens, smokers, and all traditional campfire cooking.
Campfires
Strictly banned during TOBANs and Park Fire Bans. All existing fire permits are suspended.
Hot Works (Welding, Grinding, Soldering)
Prohibited in the open air during a TOBAN due to high spark risk. Must be performed in a fully enclosed workshop or postponed.
General Burning & Incinerators
Pile burns, incinerators, and all vegetation disposal fires are prohibited.
This page is a summary guide and not legal advice. Always check official New South Wales government sources for real-time warnings.