Fire Restriction Information

This page provides information about what a Total Fire Ban means in the Australian Capital Territory.

Is there a Total Fire Ban in the ACT?

For up-to-date Total Fire Ban Information, check local radio, newspapers, TV stations, or ring your local fire station. The Bureau of Meteorology website also provides details of fire weather warnings.

A Total Fire Ban is also notified on the home page of this website.

When are Total Fire Bans declared?

Total Fire Bans are declared on days of extreme fire danger, and are usually put in place for 24 hours beginning at 12 midnight. Normally the announcement of a Total Fire Ban is made at 4:30pm the day before.

What area is covered by a Total Fire Ban?

The whole of the ACT is one weather district and a Total Fire Ban is declared for the whole of the ACT.

How is a Total Fire Ban determined?

The degree of fire danger is calculated using information on temperature, wind speed, relative humidity and the drought factor (how dry the vegetation is). This information is forwarded to the ACT Rural Fire Service from the Bureau of Meteorology twice a day. The mid-afternoon weather statement is used to determine the need for a total Fire Ban the following day.

What rules apply during a Total Fire Ban?

Anyone who, intentionally or recklessly, lights or uses fire in the open air without a permit from the Emergency Services Agency commits an offence punishable by a severe fine or up to one year in gaol, or both.

The Agency may declare a fire to be exempt from the restrictions that apply during a total fire ban if:

• the fire is maintained for a ceremonial or commemorative purpose; and
• is less than 1 cubic meter in volume; and
• the area for at least 3 meters around the fire is clear of flammable material; and
• reasonable steps have been taken to prevent the fire escaping.
• a fire lit, maintained or used on any land for an electric or gas heating appliance to cook food or heat liquids if, while the appliance is in use-
• the appliance is under the direct control of a responsible adult; and
• an area around the appliance of at least 3m is cleared of flammable material; and
• a fire-extinguisher or a continuous stream of water is available for use.