About No Burn Notices
The EPA protects human health and the environment by issuing a No Burn Notice when there are indications that smoke from planned fires is likely to contribute to the build-up of air pollution.
Outside the bushfire danger season (generally 1 April to 30 September) the EPA may ban fires in the open or in incinerators by issuing a No Burn Notice (see section 133 of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997).
To find out whether a No Burn Notice is in force
- check the Air Quality website for No Burn Notices and Fire alerts
- phone the Environment Line on 131 555 or email [email protected]
Total Fire Bans
During the bushfire danger season (generally 1 October to 31 March), the NSW Rural Fire Service may issue a Total Fire Ban. A Total Fire Ban overrides a No Burn Notice. To check if a Total Fire Ban is in place, contact NSW Rural Fire Service on 1800 679 737.
For information about lighting fires at other times, see Open burning - reducing air pollution from fires.
Understanding a No Burn Notice
A no-burn notice specifies
- the dates that it is in force
- the council areas affected – if your council area is listed on the notice, you cannot conduct any burn unless the notice states that type of burn is exempt.
Exemptions include
- lighting fires for bushfire control
- barbeques
- specific hazard reduction burns (but only if the EPA and the NSW Rural Fire Service have agreed that it is critical that they take place).