Total Fire Bans

Total Fire Bans are declared by the

A Total Fire Ban (TFB) is declared on days when fires are most likely to threaten lives and property. This is because of predicted extreme fire weather or when there are already widespread fires and firefighting resources are stretched. Occasionally TFBs may be declared outside of a fire season (such as in May or June) due to other factors such as higher temperatures and expected strong winds preceding a storm front.

On a Total Fire Ban day, it is illegal to light an open-air fire or conduct any activity that could start a fire. You can find a full list of what activites you cannot do can be found below. Some of these activities are prescribed in the Bush Fires Regulations 1954 meaning they can be carried out during a TFB, providing you comply with the conditions listed below. Businesses, public authorities or industries may be given an exemption for activities not prescribed in the Regulations, as long as conditions are met to ensure the activity does not start a fire. You can find more information about exemptions below or by clicking

Total Fire Ban icon

What you need to know about Total Fire Bans

  • TFBs are announced either in the afternoon, the day before, or on the actual day.
  • TFBs usually start at midnight and last for 24 hours.
  • TFBs affect farmers, campers, construction workers and residents (urban and rural).
  • The need for the ban is assessed throughout the day and may be cancelled depending on conditions.
  • Exemptions can be granted for some industries and activities.
  • Any burning permits held by residents or landowners are fully suspended until the ban is over.
  • TFBs are declared using the whole local government boundary

How do I know if a Total Fire Ban has been declared?

It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure a fire ban is not in place before undertaking activities that are likely to cause a fire.

  • Check the Emergency WA Website -
  • Call the Total Fire Ban Hotline on 1800 709 355
  • Call 13 DFES (133 337)
  • Follow DFES on or
  • Listen to ABC local radio and other media outlets

Prohibited Activities during a Total Fire Ban

When a Total Fire Ban has been declared, it is illegal to carry out any activity that is likely to cause a fire including but not limited to:

  • Driving a vehicle (4WD, motorbike or quad bike) in the bush or a paddock (off-road) where the vehicle will be in contact with vegetation. You can only use a vehicle on a road, track or in an area which has been sufficiently cleared of flammable material.
  • Using barbeques or pizza ovens that burn solid fuel.
  • Using welders, grinders, charring, soldering or gas cutting or any other cutting tool outside
  • Using equipment powered by an internal combustion engine in area with vegetation.
  • Incinerators
  • Hot Air Ballons
  • Bee Keeper Smoker
  • Sparklers

Visit to see a full list of what you can and can’t do in a Total Fire Ban

For more information on what you can and can't do on a Total Fire Ban Day, click

DFES Exemptions

Certain activities require an exemption during a Total Fire Ban or the restricted and prohibited burning periods set by local governments.Examples of activities needing exemptions
  • During Total Fire Bans
    • Hot Fire Training
    • Rail Grinding
    • Bee Smoking
    • Smoking ceremonies
    • Fireworks
    • Fire performance
  • During Restricted/Prohibited Burning Periods
    • Outdoor catering
    • Gas flaring
    • Hit fire training
    • Smoking ceremonies
    • Gas Flaring
Exemptions are only approved by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES). These exemptions may apply statewide or be specific to a local government area.Please note:
  • DFES may amend or revoke exemptions at any time.
  • Once all required information is submitted, processing may take up to six weeks, depending on operational priorities.
For more information or to apply, please click to submit an exemption request through DFES.