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.

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 Bushfire 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?

During a Total Fire Ban the following fires are permitted:

• Fires used inside a factory, as defined under the Bushfire Act, for manufacturing purposes;
• Fires necessary for the maintenance or repair of essential services such as light, power, water, sewerage, transport or communications, subject to the approval of the Chief Fire Control Officer; and
• Gas or electric heating appliances used on your own premises, i.e. no wood, charcoal, or spirit burning appliances.

In particular, a gas or electric barbeque may be used under the following conditions:

• The barbeque is under constant adult supervision and attendance;
• The ground within three metres of the barbeque is cleared of all materials which could burn; and
• There is a continuous supply of water that can be applied to the barbeque and the surrounding area.