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Fetching the latest fire danger and ban data.
Fetching the latest fire danger and ban data.
In Western Australia, Total Fire Bans are declared by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES). WA is notably restrictive — it requires the largest clearance radius in the country (5 metres), mandates enclosed-flame BBQ designs, and uniquely bans vehicle movement in paddocks through the Harvest & Vehicle Movement Ban (HVMB) system.
Common activities and their restrictions.
Gas BBQs (Enclosed Flame Only)
Gas BBQs are permitted only if the flame is fully enclosed. Appliances with exposed flames — even if gas-powered — are prohibited. Must have 5m clearance of all combustible material and a continuous water supply.
Electric BBQs
Permitted if installed and maintained correctly. Same 5m clearance of all burnable material applies.
Indoor Cooking
Fully allowed in enclosed structures. WA explicitly defines this as fully enclosed on all sides with a solid roof.
Hot Works Indoors (TFB)
Unlike other states, WA explicitly allows welding, grinding, and gas cutting indoors during a TFB — but the space must be fully enclosed on all sides with a solid roof. No exceptions for open-sided sheds.
Agricultural Work
Conditional. A Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban (HVMB) may be declared by local government alongside a TFB, which bans all machinery in paddocks.
Green Waste Burning (Non-Ban)
Outside of TFBs, "Restricted" and "Prohibited" burning times apply. During these periods, any existing burning permits are suspended. Burning leaves, garden waste, or grass cuttings in the open is illegal during a TFB.
Open-Flame Gas BBQs & Camping Stoves
Any gas appliance with an exposed flame is prohibited — even if gas-powered. This effectively bans many camping stoves and open-flame grills. Only enclosed-flame designs are permitted.
Campfires, Fire Pits & Solid Fuel
All solid fuel fires (wood, charcoal, briquettes) are strictly prohibited in the open air.
Hot Works Outdoors (Welding, Grinding)
Prohibited outdoors during a TFB. Must be performed in a fully enclosed space only.
Vehicle Movement in Paddocks (HVMB)
When a Harvest & Vehicle Movement Ban is active, it is illegal to operate any internal combustion engine on land covered by bush, crop, pasture, or stubble — including tractors, harvesters, motorbikes, and quad bikes.
Off-Road Driving (HVMB)
Recreational off-road vehicles (4WDs, motorbikes) are strictly prohibited in bush or grassland areas during an HVMB. The only exemption is for immediate welfare of animals (urgent watering or feeding of stock).
Green Waste Burning
Illegal to burn leaves, garden waste, or grass cuttings in the open air during a TFB.
This page is a summary guide and not legal advice. Always check official Western Australia government sources for real-time warnings.