Burning in the Northern Areas Council Area
The Environment Protection (Air Quality) Policy 2016 was introduced by the Environment Protection Authority from July 21, 2016 prohibiting residents from undertaking backyard burning. It is aimed at better protecting and improving the health of South Australians and the environment by bringing the regulation and management of air quality in line with contemporary practices.
It is important to note that this policy does not apply to burning during Fire Danger Season as there are strict rules for burning or lighting any fires during this time.
The policy establishes a general prohibition, subject to exemptions, on burning in the open on premises within all township areas. Backyard burning is no longer allowed in the Northern Areas Council areas without a permit.
Permits and other exemptions.
From 30 June 2025 Vegetation Pile Burning is not allowed within Townships. Permit applications can be made for special circumstances only. Please contact Council on 8664 1139 to discuss.
Burning Requirements in a Township (refer Township maps)
The table below refers to burning in the open outside the designated Fire Danger Season. Burning must be in accordance with Environment Protection Agency guide to ‘Laws for burning in the open’:
Townships Maps of Northern Areas Council.
Please refer to the pink town boundaries in the maps listed below:
Burning Requirements within a Township
Burning Activity | Conditions/Requirements |
Fire for the preparation of food and beverages (i.e. BBQ, Pizza Oven, Weber BBQ Kettle, camp oven). | No permit or permission required. Fuel is charcoal or dry wood |
Use of a brazier, chiminea or a fire pit for outdoor domestic heating. | No permit or permission required. Fuel is restricted to charcoal only. |
Large Campfire in the course of camping, scouting or a similar outdoor recreational activity that is not being used for preparation of food. | Requires Council approval by permit. |
Burning Requirements outside of a Township
The table below refers to burning in the open outside the designated Fire Danger Season. Burning must be in accordance with CFS codes of practice for Broad Acre Burning and Vegetation Pile Burning.
Burning Activity | Conditions/Requirements |
Fire for the preparation of food and beverages (i.e. BBQ, Pizza Oven, Weber BBQ Kettle, camp oven). | No permit or permission required. Fuel is charcoal, dry wood, or other dry plant material. |
Use of a brazier, chiminea or a fire pit for outdoor domestic heating. | No permit or permission required. Charcoal, dry timber or other plant matter. |
Campfire in the course of camping, scouting or a similar outdoor recreational activity. | No permit or permission required. |
Burning agricultural or forestry waste. | No permit or permission required. |
Burning for bushfire hazard reduction. | No permit or permission required. |
CFS – What can I do/ What can’t I do guide.
A handy reference on fire and hazards from the Country Fire Service.