Permit to Light a Fire
To legally light a fire larger than 2 metres in any direction, you must apply for a Permit to Light Fire through your local Fire Warden. You can find their contact details using the Fire Warden Finder below.
Once your application is submitted, the Fire Warden may assess the conditions and issue a permit with specific requirements to minimise risks or potential impacts on people, property, or the environment.
Thinking of lighting a fire on your property?
The Queensland Fire Department 'Lighting Fires in QLD' page contains essential information for any landholder or resident in Queensland considering the use of fire outdoors.
It covers when a permit is required, what responsibilities you have, and how to manage fire safely and legally.
Whether you're planning a burn-off, managing vegetation, or just want to understand the rules, this is a great place to start.
If you have an approved fire permit, or you’re planning to burn a small pile of garden waste (less than 2 metres in any direction), there’s one important step to take before you light up.
Please call FireCom on 1800 689 958 to register your burn.
Even a small fire can produce smoke that may prompt concerned neighbours to call 000. By letting FireCom know about your burn, they can confirm it’s a controlled fire and prevent unnecessary emergency callouts.
This simple action helps save valuable fire service resources and keeps our crews available for genuine emergencies.
Meet the Bonogin Fire Warden
Fire Warden & Third Officer
Dan Cridland
Dan has been a member of Bonogin Valley Rural Fire Brigade since 2018 and brings with him more than two decades of firefighting experience. He began his service with the NSW Rural Fire Service in 1997, where he progressed to the role of Deputy Captain and responded to incidents across regional and remote areas of New South Wales.
In his role as Third Officer, Dan supports the First Officer in the operational leadership of the brigade, contributing to crew readiness, training, and effective incident response. His depth of experience and calm, practical approach make him a valued leader within the brigade.
Dan also proudly serves as Bonogin Valley’s Fire Warden, a role focused on helping the community use fire safely and responsibly. As Fire Warden, Dan works closely with landowners to assess fire risk, issue permits to light fire, and set appropriate conditions to ensure burns are conducted safely. He provides advice on hazard reduction, fuel management, and practical precautions to help protect homes, property, and the surrounding environment.
For Dan, the most rewarding part of the brigade is the people. “There’s nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer,” he says, a belief shaped by deployments to fire-affected communities in remote southwest Queensland, where supporting exhausted crews and residents during major wildfire events left a lasting impact.
Role of The Fire Warden
Fire Wardens play a key role in rural communities by helping reduce the risk and impact of bushfires. They support landowners with fire management planning and issue permits to ensure safe and responsible burning.
Granting or rejecting applications for permit to light fire
Determining the conditions under which permitted fires can be lit
Advising owners and occupiers of the need for fuel and hazard reduction
Recommending safety precautions for the protection of homes and assets
How to apply for a Permit to Light Fire
Download the Brochure
Please download the brochure Applying to Light Fires (PDF - 1.62MB) for information on how to apply for a Permit to Light a Fire.
Check Local Council Requirements
Contact your local council to see if there are any restrictions for lighting fires and if you require written permission from council.
Notify Neighbours Before Applying
Contact your neighbours and advise them of your intention to apply for a permit. Record the time you contact them on the application and note if they have or have not objected.
If your neighbours do have an objection, they should contact the local Fire Warden. Note on the application if you cannot contact your neighbours.
Submit Your Application
Complete both sides of the application form then contact your local Fire Warden to submit your application.
Application for Permit to Light Fire (PDF, 938KB, with instructions on how to complete)
Application for Permit to Light Fire (PDF - 554KB, form only - no instructions)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a small fire to burn garden litter and small piles of vegetation?
YES - During a non-Fire Ban Period
Fires may be lit to dispose of vegetation without a Permit, provided that:
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There are no Local Government restrictions applicable to your area.
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The fire is less than two metres wide, two metres long and two metres high.
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A person is in attendance at all times while the fire is alight.
Check with your local council before lighting any fires.
NO - During a Fire Ban
The lighting of fires for any purpose of banned during any declared fire ban or state of fire emergency.
Can I light a fire in the open air for burning off grass, stubble, weeds, undergrowth or other vegetation?
YES - During a non-Fire Ban Period
But only with a valid Permit issued by your local Fire Warden, and:
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There are no Local Government restrictions applicable to your area.
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The Permit to Light Fire conditions are followed.
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A person is in attendance at all times while the fire is alight.
Check with your local council before lighting any fires.
Click here to find Fire Wardens in your area.
NO - During a Fire Ban
The lighting of fires for any purpose of banned during any declared fire ban or state of fire emergency.
Are there any exemptions from the requirement to have a Permit to Light Fire?
YES - During a non-Fire Ban Period
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Canegrowers have certain exemptions from the requirement to obtain a Permit. For more information contact your Rural Fire Service Area Office.
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Fires lit for the purpose of burning the carcass of a beast do not require a Permit.
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Fires lit to dispose of sawmill waste do not require a Permit.
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Fires for cooking and warmth do not require a Permit.
In all cases, the use of fire must be done in a responsible manner. All fires must be attended to at all times the fire is alight.
Local Governments may have rules or by laws prohibiting the lighting of fires. Check with your local council before lighting any fires.
Where can I learn more on the obligations and responsibilities of permit holders?
We encourage anyone who already has a permit, or is considering using fire within Queensland to read the Obligations and Responsibilities of Permit Holders (PDF, 1.57MB) brochure outlining the obligations and responsibilities associated with the use of a Permit to Light Fire (permit).
Lighting a non-exempt fire without a permit can attract serious penalties including on the spot fines or prosecution. The gravity of these penalties indicate how serious the Queensland Government is about ensuring the use of fire is authorised, used safely and in such a way that it doesn't adversely impact you or the community.
YOUR FIRE, YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
