By this general notice issued under clause 6 of the Environment Protection (Air Quality) Policy 2016, the owner or occupier of land, or a person with authority from the owner of the land located in the Gawler Belt area (as designated in the attached map) may carry out certain burning activities outside of the 2026 fire danger season (as fixed under the Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005) and subject to the conditions set out below:
Conditions:
- The property must be 1 acre (4000 m2) or more in size.
- Only dry vegetation (including dry paper, dry cardboard, dry wood, or dried plant materials) may be burned;
- The burning of any other substances or materials is prohibited;
- The person conducting a burning activity under this permit must have adequate means and equipment at hand to control or extinguish the fire if needed;
- Burning may only be conducted between 10.00am and 6.00pm on the day it is lit;
- No burning shall occur on a Sunday or Public Holiday (other than if a special permit is issued for a bonfire – refer below);
- Burning heaps are not to exceed 3 x 3 x 1.5 metres, and only (1) heap may be burnt at a time to safely manage the burning activity;
- Each heap must have a non-flammable clearance of four (4) metres all around and overhead.
- At least one (1) adult person must be present at the fire from the time it is lit to the time it is completely extinguished.
- The person conducting a burning must ensure that smoke from the burning activity does not cause annoyance for owners or occupiers of other properties.
This general notice remains in force until 31 October 2026 and may be revoked.
Penalties can apply for breaches of any conditions or lawful requirements.
A bonfire requires an individual permit issued on a case-by-case basis – please enquire at Council if this is required.
Notes:
This burning permit does not authorise the burning of a prohibited substance (refer to clauses (6)(3)(d) and (7)(1) of the Environment Protection (Air Quality) Policy 2016.
Per clause 6(5) of the Environment Protection (Air Quality) Policy 2016, compliance with the conditions of this permit does not of itself:
- a) relieve the person conducting a burning under this permit from liability for any loss, damage or harm caused by a fire lit under the authority of the permit; or
- b) prevent proceedings for enforcement of the general environmental duty under section 25 of the Environment Protection Act 1993 (the Act), or for any offence under the Act, in relation to the burning activity.
This permit is subject to any ban, prohibition, restriction, or other requirements under the Fire and Emergency services Act 2005, the Native Vegetation Act 1991 or a prescribed act (clause 5(4) Environment Protection (Air Quality) Policy 2016).
For further information on burning outside the Fire Danger Season contact Light Regional Council on 8525 3200 or visit the Environment Protection Authority website.
