Applying for approvals to burn
As a first step in the process and outside of the Bushfire Danger Period, to undertake pile burning activities within Wollondilly, residents and landowners must first obtain a General Approval to Burn (GATB) permit from Wollondilly Shire Council. GATBs are only issued outside the NSW Bush Fire Danger Period to properties over 4,000 square metres in size within the following zonings:
- RU4 (Primary Production Small Lots)
- RU1 (Primary Production)
- RU2 (Rural Landscape)
- C3 (Environmental Management)
- C4 (Environmental Living).
Properties zoned R5 – Large Lot Residential are not eligible for a GATB.
Any proposed burn that does not meet all the criteria in the GATB, including those properties zoned R5 – Large Lot Residential will need to apply for a Pile Burn Application. All applications will be assessed by Council Rangers and a permit issued, if appropriate.
Prior to any burn, and after receiving your GATB or Pile Burn approval, the next step in the process is to notify RFS of your intention to burn and complete the online notification form 24 hours prior to lighting the fire.
Permits and Approvals must be available to show to a NSW Rural Fire Service or Fire Rescue NSW Officer or Council’s Rangers that attend the property undertaking the pile burning activity.
Important Information
HOW TO APPLY FOR A GENERAL APPROVAL TO BURN
- Log in to our Customer Portal and apply online
- Phone Council on 4677 1100
- Contact Council via council@wollondilly.nsw.gov.au and provide the address of the property where the burning is to occur
HOW TO APPLY FOR A PILE BURN PERMIT (IF YOU DON'T QUALIFY FOR GENERAL APPROVAL)
If you don’t qualify for a General Approval to Burn due to your property zoning, yet your property is over 4000 square metres in size; please complete a Pile Burn Permit Application form.
Information Info to note when undertaking activities involving fire
- The NSW Bush Fire Danger Period is in force from 1 October to 31 March each year, unless varied by the NSW Rural Fire Service.
- A person who lights a fire without the required approvals is guilty of an offence, with penalties including large fines and/or imprisonment.
- Every landholder has a responsibility to prevent fire from spreading from their property and there can be serious consequences for people who light fires and leave them unattended. A requirement of the approval process is that there must be a responsible adult in attendance at all times that the fire is alight. An escaped Pile Burn can be very difficult for firefighters to contain.
Wollondilly Shire Council acknowledges the Dharawal and Gundungurra peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land, honouring their enduring cultural and spiritual connection to Country and recognising their ongoing contribution to the Shire.
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