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Fetching the latest fire danger and ban data.
Fetching the latest fire danger and ban data.
Victoria's fire restrictions are managed by the Country Fire Authority (CFA) and Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV). The state uses two mechanisms: the Fire Danger Period (FDP), declared per municipality as fire risk increases, and Total Fire Ban (TFB) days — 24-hour declarations covering multiple weather districts or the entire state. On TFB days, solid-fuel appliances are banned and only compliant gas/electric cooking appliances can be used under strict conditions.
Common activities and their restrictions.
Gas BBQs (Home)
Commercially manufactured gas BBQ with enclosed flame, 3m clearance of all flammable material (around AND above), at least 10 litres of water or a hose connected to pressurised supply, and a responsible adult present.
Electric BBQs
Must be a permanently fixed structure (stone, metal, concrete) or a commercially manufactured portable unit. Same 3m clearance and water supply rules apply.
Chainsaws & Mowers (FDP & TFB)
Allowed during both FDP and TFB if in good working order with a spark arrester fitted. Requires a 9L water extinguisher or 9L knapsack spray pump on-site. Remain until equipment has fully cooled.
Solid-Fuel Fires During FDP (Cooking Only)
Use only for genuine cooking in a properly constructed fireplace. Keep wind under 10 km/h and maintain 3m clearance. Recreational warmth/atmosphere fires should not be lit.
Farm Machinery (FDP)
Must have spark arresters fitted and fire suppression equipment (9L extinguisher or knapsack) available. Operator must maintain 3m clearance and remain on-site until equipment has cooled.
Green Waste Burning (Rural, Non-Ban)
Generally banned year-round in metropolitan Melbourne for air quality. In rural/fringe areas, prohibited during the FDP without a CFA or FRV permit. Pile sizes must not exceed 4m × 4m × 3m without higher-level authorisation.
Angle Grinders (FDP)
Allowed only with strict precautions: clear the work area, use a shield, and keep firefighting equipment on-site. On TFB days, open-air hot works are banned unless specifically permitted.
All Solid Fuel BBQs & Cookers
Wood, charcoal, and briquette appliances are 100% banned. This includes hangis, spit roasts, hibachi grills, wood-fired pizza ovens, and smokers.
Comfort Fires, Braziers & Fire Pits
All fires for warmth or comfort are strictly prohibited on TFB days, regardless of fuel type. This includes chimineas and decorative fire pits.
Incinerators
Entirely banned on TFB days. Many local councils have additional by-laws that permanently prohibit incinerators year-round.
Welding & Gas Cutting
Generally banned on TFB days. A Section 40 permit from the CFA is required for any hot works during a Total Fire Ban.
Makeshift Fire Pits & Modified Drums
DIY pits or modified 44-gallon drums are illegal on TFB days. Only compliant gas/electric cooking appliances are permitted under strict conditions.
This page is a summary guide and not legal advice. Always check official Victoria government sources for real-time warnings.