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Permit to burn

You will need to apply online to obtain a permit to burn. You cannot undertake a burn until your application is approved. This is for any burning off throughout the year.
 

Fire Hazards Fire Prevention Fire restriction period Fires and incinerators Permit to burn Request rural roadside slashing

All burn permits expire on 30 November each year or when the fire danger period is declared (whichever comes first). 
No permits will be issued after the end of October.

Outside of the fire restriction period (also known as the fire danger period) residents in non-built-up residential areas can apply for a permit to burn.

Permits are not issued in residential areas due to the potential for residents and traffic to be adversely affected by smoke.

A permit is only issued for the purpose of burning general garden refuse, trees, leaves or stubble from cropping.

The following items are prohibited from burning:

  • painted or treated wood and furniture
  • household rubbish
  • mattresses
  • wire
  • twine
  • old lounges
  • aerosol cans, paint tins or other chemicals.

You will not be granted a permit for burning off anything that can give off toxic fumes which could endanger health. You cannot bring goods onto your property to then burn, it is only for excess garden waste trees etc. already on your property.

 

Permit to Burn application update

No permits will be issued after the 30 November each year.

All Permits expire at either the commencement of the Fire Danger Period or on 30 November each year, whichever comes first.

The fire danger period (FDP) for the 2025 -2026 season will be declared by the Country Fire Authority (CFA) together with Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV). Please check with the CFA and/or FRV to find out if the Fire Danger Period has been declared for the City of Greater Geelong Municipality

The Country Fire Authority (CFA) together with Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) will advertise when the Fire Danger Period will end.

Any applications lodged during or after the last week in October will be held and processed after the fire danger period has been lifted by the fire agencies. The fire danger period is gazetted to end on the 1 May each year. However, the fire danger period may be lifted earlier than 1 May.

All applications being held by Fire Prevention will be processed once the fire danger period has ended.

When to apply for permit

We require the online application to be completed immediately after the expiration of the fire danger period. This is usually in late April or early May.

Due to the quantity of applications received, there may be a delay of up to three weeks in the issuing of permits.

The permit will be issued once the Fire Danger Period has been terminated by Country Fire Authority. 

Apply for a permit

APPLY

When completing the online application, you will need to tell us:

  1. Applicant details and contact information
  2. Address of property where burn-off is to take place, this must be the same as your Rate Notice
  3. Type of vegetation to be burnt (e.g., trees, grass, weeds etc) 

If you require any assistance, please phone our Customer Contact Centre on 03 5272 5272.

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