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The Total Fire Ban has now been lifted. However a Restricted Fire Season is still in place.

Restricted Fire Season
A Fire Permit to burn in the open air in rural areas must be obtained. In a Restricted Fire Season any person who wants to light fires for any reason, must firstly obtain a Fire Permit.

Open Fire Season
A fire can be lit in the open air without a Fire Permit. However, full responsibility is with the person lighting the fire to take all precautions and make sure any fire is safe and secure.

Prohibited Fire Season
A Prohibited Fire Season creates a Total Fire Ban. No fires are to be lit in the open air, although there may be specific health and safety reasons in which a Special Fire Permit may be granted. The Prohibited Fire Season is declared when certain fire danger thresholds are reached, generally mid to late summer.

The Prohibited Fire Season is advertised in the media and “Total Fire Ban” signs are erected within the District.

Fire Season Zones
The Southern Rural Fire District manages the area under two main zones:

Zone A
Where the general risk is low the areas will be managed with an Open Fire Season. This will be upgraded to a Restricted Fire Season or Prohibited Fire Season when fire danger values reach certain thresholds.

Zone B
Because of the higher risk and values threatened areas will be managed with a Restricted Fire Season 365 days a year. This will be upgraded to a Prohibited Fire Season when fire danger values reach certain thresholds.

SRFD Zone Map