Fire
The City of Ballarat supports the community and fire agencies in the preparedness, prevention, response and recovery to fires
Quick Tasks
- Neighbourhood Safer Places | CFA (Country Fire Authority)
- How to Prepare Your Property | CFA (Country Fire Authority)
- MyCFA | CFA (Country Fire Authority)
- Your Local Area - Info and Advice | CFA (Country Fire Authority)
- Warnings & Restrictions | CFA (Country Fire Authority)
- Grassland Curing Observations | CFA (Country Fire Authority)
- Emergency preparedness guide | Australian Red Cross
- E-learning | CFA (Country Fire Authority)
Fire Danger Period
Ballarat's 2023/24 Fire Danger Period ended on 22 April 2024
The Country Fire Authority (CFA) declares Fire Danger Periods and Total Fire Bans. Confirm restrictions by visiting the CFA website.
See what you can and can't do during the Fire Danger Period.
Fire Danger Rating
Fire Danger Ratings tell you how dangerous a fire could be if one started.
These are important because they help you decide what actions to take to protect yourself and others from bushfires and grassfires.
A new Fire Danger Rating system was introduced in 2022 across Australia so whether you're at home or travelling, you will see the same rating system.
Permits and Forms
You need a permit to burn material in Ballarat outside of the fire danger period.
Go to eservices to apply for a permit to burn
Local Law Permit to Burn
If you have a green waste collection, you will not be able to burn off.
Burning commercial or industrial waste is not permitted.
Download the "how to burn off safely" booklet for more information.
Permits to Burn cannot be issued during Fire Danger Periods unless it is for broad-acre burning of stubble and grass for farming purposes.
Contact Ballarat’s Fire Prevention Officer for more information on 5320 5500.
Burning Off
If you are conducting a burn off, please ensure that you register it Notify of a burn-off or the start of permit activity - Fire Permits Victoria or by calling 1800 668 511.
View the fire permits Victoria website site for more information.
Preparing your property
Everyone in Victoria who lives near dense forest, bush, grassland or the coast needs to prepare their property for bushfire.
Visit the CFA website for information on preparing your property and reducing fire risk.
Home Safety
On average, there are 3,000 house fires in Victoria each year. Most could be prevented by taking simple precautions.
While the dangers of a fire in your home are real, there is a lot you can do to protect yourself, your family and your home.
Useful links
Neighbourhood Safer Places
What are NSP-BPLRs?
Neighbourhood Safer Places-Bushfire Place of Last Resort are locations that may provide some protection from direct flame and heat from a fire, but they do not guarantee safety.
They are not an alternative to planning to leave early or to stay and defend your property; they are a place of last resort if all other fire plans have failed.
It is important to know that many NSP-BPLRs are simply a clearing that provides separation distance from the bushfire hazard (e.g. forest).
Not to be confused with Community Fire Refuges, Relief Centres, Recovery Centres or Assembly Areas, each of which have a different and specific purpose.
Search CFA Local for your nearest NSP-BPLR
Visit the CFA website for more information
View the Municipal Neighbourhood Safer Places Plan from the Municipal Association of Victoria