Permits to Burn

Lighting fires in rural areas can present a significant risk to people, property and the environment if not conducted safely. For this reason, residents may be required to obtain a Permit to Burn before conducting controlled burns on their property.

Permits help ensure that burning activities are carried out safely and that emergency services are aware of planned burns in the area. Burning without a permit during restricted periods may be an offence and may result in penalties.

Permit requirements and fire restrictions are managed by Bushfires NT, and conditions may change depending on seasonal fire danger levels.

A permit may be required when conducting activities such as:

• Burning vegetation or grass

• Hazard reduction burning

• Clearing land through burning

• Burning large piles of vegetation or debris

Permit requirements may vary depending on the time of year and local fire conditions. Residents should always confirm current requirements before lighting any fire.

Before conducting any burn, property owners should ensure they have properly prepared the area and have taken appropriate safety precautions.

This includes:

• Obtaining a valid permit where required

• Establishing adequate firebreaks around the burn area

• Ensuring sufficient water and firefighting equipment is available

• Monitoring weather conditions, particularly wind speed and direction

• Notifying neighbours of planned burning activities

• Ensuring enough people are present to monitor and control the burn

Planning and preparation are essential to reducing the risk of fires escaping and causing damage to surrounding properties.

Before lighting a fire, consider the following:

• Wind conditions and forecast changes

• The proximity of buildings, fences and vegetation

• The potential impact of smoke on roads and neighbouring properties

• The availability of people to monitor the fire until it is fully extinguished

Fires should never be left unattended and must be fully extinguished before leaving the area.

If weather conditions change or the fire becomes difficult to control, the burn should be extinguished immediately.