HARVEST AND OFF ROAD ACTIVITY BAN INFORMATION

The Shire of Irwin Fire control Officers have the following powers under the BUSH FIRES REGULATIONS 1954 .                

REGULATION 24C – NOTICE TO BAN THE USE OF ENGINES, VEHICLES, PLANT OR MACHINERY LIKELY TO CAUSE A BUSH FIRE WHEN A TOTAL FIRE BAN IS DECLARED

REGULATION 38A – NOTICE TO BAN THE USE OF ENGINES, VEHICLES, PLANT OR MACHINERY LIKELY TO CAUSE A BUSH FIRE DURING THE RESTRICTED AND PROHIBITED BURNING TIMES

Harvest and Off Road Activity Bans are declared by a Fire Control Officer and in consultation with the Shire. They can be declared when fire weather conditions are most likely to threaten lives and property or when a fire is already underway and firefighting resources are committed. Special conditions and exemptions may apply depending on the type and reason for the ban.

For information relating to Total Fire Bans visit

https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/site/bushfire/totalfirebans

To be notified of a ban please contact the Shire to be added to the text message group.

Permitted Areas of Work During all Bans

Use or operation of any vehicle on gazetted roads, lanes, driveways, yards, or other areas that provide access to, or a parking facility at, any residential, farming or business premises, if the area has been sufficiently cleared of inflammable material to prevent the escape of fire.

Definitions:

Off-Road:

Includes areas such as paddocks, bushland, uncleared land and land with stubble or long grass.

Off-Road Activity:

Includes the use of anything activated by an internal combustion engine used off-road. e.g. Motor bikes, quad bikes, excavators, chain saws, ride on mowers and generators.

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Exemptions:

The following exemptions apply during all bans.

Essential Services

Off-Road activity, for urgent work, carried out by an essential service can continue, but only when the prescribed conditions in Division 9 of the Bush Fires Regulation 1954 are complied with. Urgent works, in relation to the provision of an essential service, means repairs or maintenance necessary for the continued provision, or restoration, of the service. Essential service: water supply, sewerage or drainage services, electricity, or gas services; telecommunications services; public transport services and rubbish collection or disposal services.

Health and Safety

Off-Road Activity is permitted for the use or operation of a vehicle for the prevention of an immediate and serious risk to the health or safety of a person or livestock, and only if all reasonable precautions have been taken to prevent the activity from creating a bush fire danger.

Harvest Bans are also placed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.