Local authorities are cracking down on residents who are burning illegal materials and trying to bypass mandatory burn notifications.

Reports of individuals lighting fires in the early hours of the morning attempting to avoid detection have been received. 

“Let us be clear: this is illegal, it’s dangerous, and it does not go unnoticed,” said a Rural Fire Service representative.

Burning prohibited materials—such as plastics, treated timber, or agricultural waste such as intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), PVC, grain silo bags and poly pipe - pose a risk to health, property, and the environment. 

MIA District RFS are investigating illegal burn activities, including reports from the public and surveillance data. 

People caught breaching the laws can face significant fines and possible further legal action. 

The RFS advises people to play by the rules: 

• Submit a burn notification and notify neighbours at least 24hrs before lighting up. 
• Know what you can and can’t burn. 
• If you are NOT sure if you can burn it, then you probably shouldn’t.