Total Fire Ban issued for Augusta Margaret River region
A Total Fire Ban has been declared for the Shire of Augusta Margaret River for Wednesday 19 January 2022.
The Shire has also implemented a Harvest Vehicle Movement Ban, due to a forecast of hot and windy weather and the projection of a Severe Fire Danger Rating for the region.
Individuals can be fined up to $25,000, jailed for 12 months, or both, if they breach a Total Fire Ban.
The following activities are NOT allowed:
- Open fires for the purpose of cooking, camping or outdoor entertainment, including fire pits and bonfires
- Any 'hot works' (e.g. welding, grinding, cutting, heating, etc.) in the 'open air'
- Off-road activity using a four-wheel drive, quad bike, motorcycle, bobcat or similar vehicle
- Harvesting operations
- Operation of off-road recreational vehicles (exceptions listed below).
- Other - use or operation of any engine, vehicle, plant equipment or machinery in the area likely to cause a bush fire or contribute to the spread of a bush fire.
The following activities ARE allowed:
- Movement of Vehicles on 'gazetted roads' (as described in Bush Fires regulation 24A(3).
- Movement of vehicles on a lane, driveway, yard or other area that provides 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.
- Use or operation of a vehicle if it is 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
For a list of activities that can or cannot be carried out during a Total Fire Ban and conditions visit dfes.wa.gov.au/totalfirebans or call the Total Fire Ban Information Line on 1800 709 355.
