Burning in the open
Burning in the open is a common practice to reduce the risk of bushfires, manage agricultural land and to dispose of agricultural and forestry wastes. People also use open fires to cook food, prepare beverages, for domestic heating and as part of recreational activities (eg campfires).
Smoke from these activities can impact human health and the environment, and can also cause environmental nuisance, particularly in populated areas. In particular it can present a health risk to vulnerable groups such as people with asthma, people with pre-existing respiratory or cardiac conditions, the elderly and young children.
Health impacts are higher leading into the cooler months as smoke is a significant contributor to poor localised air quality and although they may enjoy an outdoor fire, there are people in their neighbourhood such as the elderly, those with respiratory diseases or have young children who are more susceptible.
In South Australia, burning in the open (which includes burning in a domestic incinerator) is managed by your council using provisions in the Local Nuisance and Litter Control Act 2016 and Environment Protection (Air Quality) Policy 2016 (Air Quality Policy).
FAQs
When can I burn inside metropolitan Adelaide and townships?
Clause 5 of the policy allows burning in the open within metropolitan Adelaide and townships where it is for:
- preparation of food or beverages
- heating an outdoor area using a brazier, chiminea or fire pit – charcoal only
- fire prevention or control – requires council approval (this may be by individual permit or general notice published in a newspaper)
- disposal of agricultural or forestry waste – requires council approval (this may be by individual permit or by general notice published in a newspaper)
- other – requires council approval through written consent or general notice.
When can I burn outside metropolitan Adelaide and townships?
Clause 5 of the policy allows burning in the open outside of metropolitan Adelaide and townships where it is for:
- preparation of food or beverages
- heating an outdoor area using a brazier, chiminea or fire pit – charcoal, dry timber or other plant matter only
- fire prevention or control – no permit needed. However burning is to be conducted in accordance with SA CFS Vegetation Pile Burning Code of Practice 2015
- disposal of agricultural or forestry waste – no permit needed. However, where relevant, burning is to be conducted in accordance with the SA CFS Broad Acre Burning Code of Practice 2015
- recreational purposes (recreational purposes includes campfires, scouting, similar outdoor activities, etc)
- other – requires council approval through written consent or general notice.
When is permission required from council to burn in the open?
Councils will continue to manage burning in their area and determine the approach that is best for their commuinities.
Under the Air Quality Policy, a ‘permit’ includes a notice in writing to a person or a notice published in a newspaper circulating with in a council area and on a council’s website. This allows councils the flexibility to issue permits and general notices to regulate burning of agricultural or forestry waste, burning off vegetation for fire prevention control or to allow burning of vegetation for any other purpose.
Under what circumstances the Air Quality Policy does not apply to burning in the open?
The Air Quality Policy does not apply to burning undertaken in accordance with the requirements of the Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005, or burning undertaken under prescribed legislation such as the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972, Wilderness Protection Act 1992, Crown Land Management Act 2009, Forestry Act 1950 or Native Vegetation Act 1991.
