Lighting of fires in the open

Lighting and maintaining a fire in the open on all private land is permitted if the fire is used to cook food in a barbeque, pizza oven, food smoker or similar cooking device.  You must use clean and dry combustible material, and the fire cannot be in direct contact with the ground.

A fire can also be lit and maintained within an effective fireplace, firepit or brazier.

The fire should meet the requirements under the local law guidelines(PDF, 180KB).

Lighting of fires on allotments 3000m2 or greater

Lighting or maintaining a fire on an allotment greater than 3,000 square metres is permitted providing the following requirements are met. The fire:

  • does not exceed 2 metres in height, 2 metres in width or 2 metres in length
  • is lit for the purpose of burning the carcass of a beast
  • is lit outdoors, if enclosed in a fireplace, the fireplace is designed to prevent the escape of fire or any burning material.

Requirements

  • The person lighting and maintaining the fire is an owner or occupier of the private land, or otherwise has the consent of the owner or occupier to light and maintain the fire.
  • The fire does not pose an unreasonable fire hazard.
  • Only clean and dry non-toxic combustible material may be burned.
  • Only one fire may be burning at any time.
  • Appropriate fire fighting equipment, which may include water, and hoses and pumps, must be on site at all times.
  • Fires must not be lit before 7:00 AM and must be extinguished no later than dusk, on the same day.
  • Ashes must be thoroughly wetted down when a fire is extinguished.
  • The person proposing to light the fire must notify all neighbours of the intention to light a fire and the date on which this will occur.
  • Fires must be set back at least 6 metres from every property boundary and building.
  • A responsible person must be in attendance at the fire until the fire is extinguished.

Fires exceeding 2 metres in height, 2 metres in width or 2 metres in length are not regulated by Council and are not permitted unless authorised under a permit from Queensland Fire Department (QFD). For any enquiries regarding these fires contact QFD on (07) 5420 3733.

Find out your allotment size by searching for your address in My Property Look Up. Property size is listed under property details.

The Queensland Fire Department website provides further information in regards to fire bans, restrictions and how to obtain a permit to light fire.

Lighting of fires on public land

The lighting of fires on public land is not permitted at any time.

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