Burning off

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Knox residents can burn off in the open air if they have a valid Permit to Burn. You are only able to burn off at certain times of the year.

Penalties apply to Knox residents burning off without a valid permit.

We decide who can burn off on a case-by-case basis.

Fire Danger Period declared

The 2025/2026 Fire Danger Period ended at 1 am on Monday 30 March 2026 under the direction of the Chief Officer of the Country Fire Authority.

We will not process permits to burn during:

the declared fire danger period
June and July.

Permit to Burn

A Permit to Burn helps you burn off in a way that is safe and responsible. It reduces fuel load and prepares your property before the Fire Danger Period.

If you own, rent or live in a property in the Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO), you may be eligible for a Permit to Burn. The BMO is a planning control applied to land at risk from bushfires.

Outside of the BMO, there is a permit fee of $156 (non-refundable if the permit is refused).

Even with a Permit to Burn, you cannot burn off:

on Total Fire Ban days
during the Fire Danger Period
in June or July.

We aim to acknowledge Permit to Burn applications and provide you with information on next steps within 3 business days.

Before you apply

Permits will expire when the Fire Danger Period is declared.

Be aware that:

you cannot burn off during the Fire Danger Period
you must register any burning off before it happens with Fire Permits Victoria
we provide further conditions on approval of your permit, and you must follow these
you must read and be aware of all permit conditions.

Prepare for burning off

Our Fire Prevention Officers may inspect your property to make sure the burn off is compliant.

You need to have:

your burn piles in a cleared location
everything ready for inspection
adequate water supply.

Burn offs without a valid permit may receive a fine. An infringement notice for burning off without a permit is $500.

When you can burn off

There is a ban on all open-air fires during Total Fire Ban days.

Burning off is not permitted during the Fire Danger Period.

You must also:

have a valid Permit to Burn
follow the permit conditions
notify your neighbours at least 2 hours before
have a 3-metre clear area above and around the fire.

You must supervise the burn at all times, have water available and ensure it is extinguished before you leave

Burning off alternatives

Burning off should be a last resort for fuel reduction. There are alternative disposal methods to assist residents with fuel reduction, before considering burning off.

You could:

use your food and garden bin waste bin
use your hard and bundled green waste collection
compost or mulch dead leaves, small branches and sticks
take items to the Knox Transfer and Recycling Facility.

Using fire for cooking or warmth

You do not need a Permit to Burn to use a barbeque to cook food for human consumption. You can also use a brazier, chiminea or small receptacle built for containing fire for the purposes of heating.

You must ensure that there is no nuisance caused by the emission of:

smoke
soot
ash
odours.

Incinerators

An owner or occupier of land must not construct, erect, install, use or permit to be used an incinerator on any land.

Need help?

Or call our Local Laws team on 9298 8000.