Burning Permits

MFPA Business Plan Section 7.3 & NWUFPA/PFPA Rules Section 1.3

Community-provided information: The content on this page is summarised from the MFPA Business Plan and NWUFPA/PFPA Rules & Regulations. It is provided for convenience only and may contain errors or omissions. Always confirm the current permit process with your local FPA before conducting any burn.

The Bravo Number System

Before conducting any controlled burn during the fire restriction period (1 May to 15 October per the MFPA), you must obtain a "Bravo number" from the Fire Protection Officer (FPO). The Bravo number is your burning permit reference and must be quoted in all communications related to the burn.

Outside the fire season: A burning permit is also required outside the standard fire season period on any day when the Fire Danger Index (FDI) is at moderate level or above. Check the daily FDI before any burning activity.

Notification Requirements

The following notifications must be completed at least 24 hours before any planned burn:

Notify the FPO

Contact the Fire Protection Officer and provide details of the planned burn, including the date, time, location, area to be burned, and the resources you will have available. The FPO will issue a Bravo number if the burn is approved.

Notify Neighbours

All adjoining landowners must be notified at least 24 hours in advance. They must be informed of the date, time, and expected extent of the burn so they can take precautionary measures and, if required, send a representative.

Attendance During the Burn

A responsible person must be in attendance for the entire duration of the burn. This means from the moment the fire is lit until the fire is completely extinguished or the area is safe. You may not leave a burn unattended at any point.

Conditions for Burning Outside Standard Parameters

In certain circumstances, the FPO may grant permission to burn outside the normal permitted conditions (for example, during periods of higher risk or outside the seasonal calendar). In such cases, all of the following conditions must be met:

  1. Area must be safe: The area to be burned must be properly prepared with adequate firebreaks and cleared surrounds.
  2. Enough resources: Sufficient personnel, equipment, and water must be available to control the burn and to respond if the fire escapes.
  3. No neighbour objection: No adjoining landowner has formally objected to the proposed burn. If an objection is lodged, the burn may not proceed until the objection is resolved.
  4. Safe weather conditions: The weather must be suitable for burning — wind speed, direction, temperature, and humidity must all be within safe limits as determined by the FPO.
  5. Area guarded until safe: After the burn, the area must be guarded and monitored until it is completely safe. Hot spots must be extinguished and the burn area must be patrolled to prevent re-ignition.
Additional NWUFPA/PFPA guideline: Per PFPA Rules (applied as NWUFPA reference), no burning is permitted on weekends or public holidays unless specifically approved by the FPO. The MFPA Business Plan does not specify this restriction, but it is prudent to follow as an additional safety measure.

Quick Reference Checklist

  • Obtain a Bravo number from the FPO
  • Notify all neighbours at least 24 hours before
  • Check the FDI on the day of the burn — per NWUFPA/PFPA guideline, do not burn if FDI exceeds 55
  • Per NWUFPA/PFPA guideline, confirm it is not a weekend or public holiday (unless approved by FPO)
  • Ensure adequate equipment, water, and personnel are on site
  • Ensure a responsible person will be present for the entire burn
  • Have communication (phone/radio) available at all times
  • Monitor the area after the burn until completely safe
Sources: MFPA Business Plan Section 7.3 (primary); NWUFPA/PFPA Rules & Regulations Section 1.3 (supplementary reference). This page is a community summary — confirm all requirements with your local FPA.