Permit to burn and lighting fires
In the Northern Territory (NT), there are rules about lighting a fire and needing a permit to burn.
These depend on what you plan to do and where your property is located.
When you need a permit
You must have a permit to burn for the following.
Emergency response area
If you're in an emergency response area (ERA), you must get a permit from the NT Fire and Rescue Service.
Check if you're in an ERA on the NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services (NTPFES) website.
Burning without a permit may result in a penalty. To check the penalty, go to the NTPFES website.
Fire protection zone and fire danger area
If you're in a fire protection zone, you must get a permit from Bushfires NT.
Without a permit, you could face up to 500 penalty units or imprisonment for up to 5 years. Read more on the Attorney-General's Department website.
You must also get a permit from Bushfires NT if you're in a declared fire danger area during a fire danger period.
Though, a permit is unlikely to be issued and will only be considered in certain circumstances.
Aerial planned burning
If you're aerial planned burning in any zone or area, you must get a permit.
Two separate permits are required if you're aerial planned burning in a fire protection zone - one for aerial burning and another for the zone. You get these permits from Bushfires NT.
When you don't need a permit
The only time you don't need a permit is to start small fires, such as for cooking, boiling water or for comfort.
You must ensure the fire is:
- at least 4m away from bush or other flammable material
- not left unattended at any time while lit
- extinguish before leaving.
Failing to follow the above is an offence.
You must be able to control the fire.
How to get a permit
For an ERA, find your local fire station on the NTPFES website.
If you're in a fire protection zone, contact your local bushfire volunteer brigade or fill in and submit the online form.
Those in a fire danger area should contact Bushfires NT.
Before you start burning
Permit holders in ERAs, whose permit was issued by a local fire station, should read the conditions on the NTPFES website.
For permits in fire protection zones, you must:
- read and understand the conditions of the permit
- not burn in a fire ban area during a fire ban period
- not burn household waste (excluding green waste)
- notify the owner or occupier of each adjoining property at least 24 hours prior - unless otherwise specified by the issuing fire warden or fire control officer
- advise the local volunteer brigade 12 hours prior
- install firebreaks to the recommended standard
- monitor weather conditions
- have suitable fire control equipment onsite.
Restrictions to permits
During bushfire season, further restrictions may apply to permits.
If a permitted fire is burning on your land when a fire ban period is announced, you must put it out if safe to do so.
If you can't, you must call 000 or notify the Bushfires NT fire control officer or fire warden immediately.
If you fail to put out the fire or notify authorities, it's an offence.
The maximum penalty is 200 penalty units or imprisonment for 2 years.
Find out more about fire danger periods and fire bans on Secure NT website.
Contact
If you have any questions, contact Bushfires NT or your nearest volunteer bushfire brigade.
You can also find Bushfires NT on Facebook.
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