Burn permits are unavailable from December to April during the Fire Danger Period. Applications for 2025 will reopen in May.
The City of Casey Community Law 2023 states that Casey residents require a permit before burning off on private property.
A permit to burn is primarily for larger properties and farmland that wish to have a controlled burn-off to remove tree cuttings, harvest stubble, and vegetation. Controlled burn-offs help minimise the risk of a larger, uncontrolled wildfire by reducing fuel buildup during high fire danger periods.
The City of Casey DOES NOT issue permits to residents in built-up residential areas. Instead, you can arrange a hard waste collection or visit a local recycle and transfer station (rubbish tip).
Penalties for burning without a permit
A person who breaches the Local Law by lighting a fire in open air without a permit can face penalties. A $593 on-the-spot infringement can be issued, as can greater penalties and possible jail time for breaching the Country Fire Authority Act 1958.
When can you use your burn permit?
Permits are usually valid between May and November when temperatures are cooler. The CFA (County Fire Authority) determines the exact dates yearly based on weather and environmental conditions.
Outside of these dates (usually December to April) is the Fire Danger Period. During this time, burn-off is prohibited. If you wish to burn on your property during this period, you must apply for a fire permit with the CFA via FPV (Fire Permits Victoria).
- Burn permits ARE NOT valid during a Total Fire Ban. Find out if there is a fire ban today.
- During a Total Fire Ban, coal and solid-fuel barbeques, such as spits, are prohibited. Gas-powered barbeques are allowed.
- Once you have a permit, YOU MUST ALWAYS notify the CFA on the days you plan to burn. This will avoid unnecessary responses from the fire brigade if smoke from your fire is reported.
- What you cannot burn
- Rubber or plastic, including tyres
- Treated or painted timber
- Pallets
- Petroleum, oil or hydrocarbon-based substances
- Paint or receptacles that contained paint
- Manufactured chemicals
- Materials that contain asbestos
- Food waste
- Wet and/or green vegetation or anything else that would cause excessive smoke
- Anything that would cause offensive odours
- Noxious substances
- You CANNOT burn off for commercial purposes
Apply for a permit to burn
Permit applications for 2025 are currently closed during the Fire Danger Period (December through to April) and will reopen around May later in the year. Alternatively contact the CFA if you urgently require a permit.
What happens next
We will consider your application. If approved, your permit will be issued to you within 10 business days. We will contact you if we require more information or if we need to inspect your property.
Your permit will include conditions of when and how you are permitted to burn.