Fire Prevention

All landowners are required to maintain their property in a condition that will prevent the spread of a wildfire. Should a fire escape from a landowner's property without adequate firebreaks or due to negligence, the landowner may be responsible for the cost of extinguishing the fire and/or the damage caused to other property.

To contact fire services within the City of Albany, call 000 and follow the instructions of the emergency services operator.

Any information you can provide to help police to identify anyone responsible for starting a fire would also be greatly appreciated. Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

By November 15 (North-East sector) or December 1 (South-West sector), all properties are to have appropriate fire prevention measures in place (firebreaks and low fuel zones) and they are to be maintained over the entire fire season.

Inspections of properties start on December 2 and a landowner's failure to put firebreaks and low fuel zones in place may result in an infringement being issued. The City may then have the required work undertaken at the landowner's cost. These measures are outlined in the City of Albany's Firebreak Notice, available below.

Brochures in the links below will help you decide whether to stay or go in the event of a bushfire. Those who choose to leave their homes in the event of a fire are encouraged to go early, before smoke creates road hazards involving fire and emergency vehicles. Those who elect to stay must have suitable protective clothing and firefighting implements. In either case, FESA encourages landowners to decide well in advance of the fire season to leave early or stay and defend.

During Restricted Burning Periods open fires are not permitted. This includes campfires but enclosed barbecues are exempt. In the North-East sector restricted burning applies from October 3 to November 14 and from March 16 to April 30. In the South-West sector restricted burning applies from November 9 to December 21 and from March 16 to April 30.

Spring (September to November) and autumn (February to April) burning of a property to reduce fire risks can be undertaken subject to conditions with a permit issued by a fire control officer or a City ranger. The permit period can also be extended, due to seasonal conditions, following the publication of a notice in the local press.