Bush Fire Danger Periods in Australia: Dates, Restrictions and State Differences

Planning to burn garden waste, mow dry grass or use outdoor machinery during bushfire season? The rules aren't the same across Australia, and an activity permitted in one district may be restricted in another.

So when does the bushfire danger period start, and what restrictions apply where you live? This guide covers NSW's official dates, explains the different fire-restriction periods across Australia's states and territories, and shows you what to check before lighting fires or using spark-producing equipment.

When Is the Bush Fire Danger Period in NSW?

The statutory Bush Fire Danger Period in NSW runs from 1 October to 31 March. For the 2026–27 season, the standard dates are 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027, although the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) can vary them for individual local government areas.

During this period, a Fire Permit is generally required before lighting a fire in the open in a Rural Fire District. Limited exemptions may apply to certain cooking or heating fires that meet specified conditions, while council rules, environmental approvals and other restrictions may still apply. In Fire and Rescue NSW districts, Fire Permits are required year-round. Any permit is automatically suspended when a Total Fire Ban is declared.

Check the NSW RFS Bush Fire Danger Period and Fire Permits page for the dates and permit requirements in your local area.

When Do Fire Restriction Periods Apply in Each State and Territory?

Australia's fire restriction periods vary by state, territory and local district. Some have standard seasonal dates, while others declare restrictions according to local conditions.

For example, South Australia’s 2026–27 Fire Danger Season began on 15 October in several districts, while other districts started later or were awaiting confirmation at the time of review. Victoria also declares Fire Danger Period dates separately for individual municipalities.

Because declarations can change during the season, use the official link for your state or territory to check the rules for your location immediately before planning outdoor burning or other fire-risk work.

What Is the Difference Between a Fire Danger Period and a Total Fire Ban?

A fire danger period is a seasonal or locally declared stretch with extra controls on lighting fires. In some jurisdictions, it also covers machinery and other ignition sources. A Total Fire Ban is much stricter and short-term, and it's triggered by dangerous fire weather. The two can overlap. The period sets the seasonal permit rules, while a ban responds to a particular day or spell of extreme risk.

Victoria states outright that its Fire Danger Period is not a Total Fire Ban. NSW requires permits during the Bush Fire Danger Period but prohibits open-air fires on Total Fire Ban days unless an exemption applies. Tasmania and the Northern Territory also treat the two separately. Queensland doesn't use the term "Total Fire Ban" at all, and declares local fire bans or a state of fire emergency instead.

What Should You Check Before Burning, Mowing, Welding or Using Machinery?

Before starting outdoor work involving fire, heat, or sparks, check three things: local permit requirements, today's fire ban status, and restrictions specific to your activity.

Current Local Fire-Restriction Period and Permit Rules

Check whether a Fire Danger Period or restricted burning period is active in your area.

For planned burning, find out whether you need a fire permit, whether council rules allow the activity, and whether neighbours or fire authorities must be notified. In NSW, for example, permit holders generally need to give at least 24 hours' notice before burning, unless otherwise specified.

Daily Fire Danger Rating and Total Fire Ban Status

Check the day's Fire Danger Rating and any Total Fire Ban or equivalent local declaration.

A Fire Danger Rating describes how dangerous a fire could become if one starts; it does not, by itself, determine whether a particular activity is legally prohibited. Activity restrictions come from Total Fire Bans, local fire bans, states of fire emergency, permit conditions and other applicable declarations. Always check both the Fire Danger Rating and the current restrictions for your location.

Fire Danger Ratings indicate how dangerous a fire could become, while fire bans determine which activities are prohibited. A Total Fire Ban may suspend existing burning permits even during an otherwise permitted period.

Check your state fire authority's current declarations on the day of the activity.

Activity-Specific Equipment and Spark Restrictions

Mowing, slashing, welding, grinding, and harvesting can be subject to different restrictions depending on fire conditions. Check whether your activity is permitted and whether cleared work areas, firefighting equipment, or spark-control measures are required.

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Conclusion

There is no single bushfire danger period Australia-wide. NSW's 1 October to 31 March window is the statutory baseline, and other jurisdictions run their own systems. Before you burn or run anything that makes heat or sparks, check four things on the day: the local period and permit rules, the Fire Danger Rating, any ban, and the conditions that attach to your specific equipment.