General News
10 March, 2026
CFA consider agricultural burn off permits
Applications for agricultural permits to burn off during the Fire Danger Period are now being considered by the CFA.
Although the Fire Danger Period is still in force, community members are able to apply for Schedule 3 permits to burn for agricultural purposes since March 3.
These permits, once approved, allow individuals or businesses to burn-off during the Fire Danger Period as long as all permit conditions are followed.
On Total Fire Ban Days, all fires in the open are banned and any permits suspended for a 24-hour period.
CFA District 20 Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer Paul Elso said it was important the rules were followed.
“At all times you must follow all conditions on your permit as unfortunately each year CFA crews are called out to help people who lost control of their burn-off,” he said.
It’s a legal offence not to follow every condition on an issued permit and penalties for non-compliance do apply.
Applications have opened in the Central Goldfields Shire as well as:
Mt Alexander Shire
Loddon Shire
Macedon Ranges Shire
Buloke Shire
AdvertisementCampaspe Shire
City of Greater Bendigo
Gannawarra Shire
Mildura Shire
Swan Hill Rural City Council
Yarriambiack Shire (North)
Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer Elso said applications will be assessed in accordance with the Country Fire Authority Act 1958 alongside local and expected conditions.
“Permits may or may not be granted as an application does not guarantee this. Any permit issued may be suspended for a period of time at the direction of CFA or by declaration of a Total Fire Ban,” he said.
“It’s the resident’s responsibility to ensure that a burn-off does not get out of control and if this does happen, you should dial ‘000’ immediately. Everyone should have a fire plan and prepare for the event of fire and never become complacent.”
Schedule 3 permits can be applied for online through the Fire Permits Victoria website at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au. If you are unable to apply online, you can ring the Burn Off Notification Line on 1800 668 511.