Firebreak and property requirements
All properties must meet fire safety requirements by 17 November each year and maintain them until 31 May the following year. The City's Authorised Officers inspect all properties from 18 November.
If you need a variation to the standard requirements, submit your request in writing to the City by 1 November.
You need to clear your entire property of all flammable material — this means mowing or slashing grass to no more than 40mm across the whole block, and removing any dead trees or branches. Living trees, plants in gardens and lawns are fine to keep.
This also applies to canal properties.
You need to create a firebreak of at least 4 metres wide around:
The firebreak and your driveway must have a height clearance of at least 4.2 metres - trim any overhanging branches to keep this clear.
If your property is subject to an approved Bushfire Management Plan, you must comply with that plan instead. Contact Rangers to check.
An Asset Protection Zone is a low-fuel buffer zone around your home that slows the spread of fire. You need one if your property is zoned rural residential or is 4,000m² or larger.
What you need to do:
If you need to remove trees to create your APZ and they are in a protected area, you can apply to the City for permission.
If you would like assistance with your firebreaks please find following a list of firebreak contractors that have supplied our office with their numbers:
If your property doesn't meet fire safety requirements, you may be fined a minimum of $250. The City can also carry out the required works on your property and charge the cost back to you.
If you use a contractor to do your firebreak work, remember - you are still responsible for making sure the work is done properly. Check the work is up to standard before the 17 November deadline.
Burning permits
The following properties may apply for a seasonal Permit to Burn Garden Refuse:
All other properties are not permitted to burn garden refuse at any time. Permits are only issued between 1 May and 31 October each year.
If you are planning to build or develop in a designated bushfire-prone area, a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment is required before you commence. The BAL rating determines the level of fire risk on your property and whether additional construction standards apply.
BAL assessments must be carried out by an accredited Bushfire Planning Practitioner. Check the DFES website to see if your property is in a designated bushfire-prone area. For more information please contact the Planning team on (08) 9550 3748 or email [email protected]
No. All burning is prohibited on Total Fire Ban days regardless of the time of year or what period we are in. Check Emergency WA for current conditions before burning.
No. Burning of garden refuse is prohibited on all standard residential properties in Mandurah at any time. Only properties zoned rural residential or rural small holding, or land 4,000m² or greater, are eligible to apply for a permit.
The lighting of fires at home is generally prohibited but may be done in accordance with strict conditions listed in the 'Fire Pits and Solid Fuel Cooking Equipment' published below.
All fire safety requirements must be met by 17 November each year.
You may be fined a minimum of $250. The City can also carry out the required works on your property and charge the cost back to you.
Yes. As the property owner you are ultimately responsible for ensuring the work meets the required standard, regardless of who carries out the work.
Contact the City on (08) 9550 3777. Burning that causes a smoke nuisance to neighbours or presents a hazard to road users is not permitted.
Check the DFES bushfire-prone area map or contact the City's planning team for advice.
Stay safe and prepared for bushfires, storms and other emergencies with clear guidance, local information and easy steps to protect your household.
Information tailored to rural and rural‑residential landowners and property requirements.
