Bushfire Control

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Overview

Bushfires are a regular part of life in the Kimberley throughout the dry season. The threat to person, property and livestock is significant and the Shire is committed to minimising these threats wherever possible.

The Shire’s Bushfire Mitigation Program is designed to encourage all residents to take action to help minimise these threats. The maintenance of fire breaks, removal of unnecessary dry flammable material and removal of tree canopies overhanging dwellings all help to slow the spread of fire and provide emergency service volunteers with clear access paths and additional time to fight fires.

Bushfire Mitigation Programs run annually from the proclamation date in May through to the end of December. Residents are required to ensure that their properties are continually compliant through this timeframe. 

Burning Off

If your property is located outside of the Gazetted Fire District, you may burn garden refuse without a permit under the following conditions:

You download a permit to submit here(PDF, 417KB)

NO BURNING IS TO BE CARRIED OUT WHEN THE FIRE DANGER RATING IS “HIGH” OR ABOVE.

Incinerators

  • Burning is conducted in an incinerator designed and constructed so as to prevent the escape of sparks or burning material situated 2 m or more away from any building or fence;
  • If the incinerator is within 2m of a building or fence, the local government has given written permission for the incinerator to be used;
  • There is no inflammable material within 2m of the incinerator while it is in use; and at least one person is present at the site of the fire at all times until it is completely extinguished. When the fire is no longer required, the person ensures that the fire is completely extinguished by the application of water or earth.

Ground Burning

  • There is no inflammable material (other than that being burned) within 5m of the fire at any time while the fire is burning;
  • The fire is lit between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. and is completely extinguished before midnight on the same day;
  • At least one person is present at the site of the fire at all times until it is completely extinguished;
  • When the fire is no longer required, the person ensures that the fire is completely extinguished by the application of water or earth.

Should you have any concern that you will be unable to control the fire or prevent it’s escape, ignition must be suspended until the fire can be controlled.

Please note, the above information is for the burning of garden refuse only and does not apply to the burning of bush land or any other fire hazard reduction works. A permit is required for these types of activities.

2023 Bushfire Mitigation Program

Property inspections for the 2023 Bush Fire Mitigation Program have commenced, where Rangers will focus their efforts on key areas within the Shire.  

All property owners are required to comply with the Firebreak and Fuel Hazard Reduction Notice by the May 15, 2023 where Fire Control Officers will inspect thereafter.

If you have any questions regarding the above please contact Broome Shire Rangers on 08 9191 3456.

Bushfire Advisory Committee (BFAC)

The Shire of Broome administers the Bush Fire Advisory Committee (BFAC) which is comprised of stakeholders which represent Community members and organisations. The Committee meets regularly throughout the year to discuss and plan the Town's preparedness for the threat of bushfires. 

Please refer to the following link for DFES Bushfire Preparedness Material.