New and increased fines from 1 August

Summary

New penalties have been introduced and existing penalties increased for a range of offences, to help protect people and properties this bush fire season.

The new and increased penalties cover a range of offences including throwing a lit cigarette from a car, which rises to $660. During a Total Fire Ban, the fine for throwing a lit cigarette rises to more than $1300.

You can now report people who throw lit cigarettes from a vehicle by calling the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737 or completing an online report.

The new and increased penalties encourage people to use fire responsibly and prevent unnecessary fires.

Part 1 – Offences under Rural Fires Act 1997

Offence

Current Penalty

Penalty from 1 August

s64: occupiers to extinguish fires or notify fire fighting authorities

$220

$440

s66(8): requirement to comply with a bush fire hazard reduction notice

$1,100

$2,200

s86(1) or (1A): notice and certain authorities required before certain fires lit

$550

$1,100

s87(1): lighting fires for land clearance or fire breaks in bush fire danger period

$550

$1,100

s88(1): lighting fires that are dangerous to buildings in fire districts, rural fire districts

$550

$1,100

s92(2): contravening any condition of a fire permit

$550

$1,100

s99(6): failing to comply with any direction given by the Minister

$1,100

$2,200

s99A: discarding lighted cigarettes, etc

$330 / $660

$660 / $1320 for an offence committed during a Total Fire Ban

s100(2): unlawfully leaving a fire in the open air before it is thoroughly extinguished

$1,100

$2,200

s132(3): fail to comply with a direction given by a police officer

$220

$440

Part 2 – Offences under the Rural Fires Regulation 2013

cl19: burning to demolish buildings

$330

$660

cl20 (1) or (2): burning to destroy sawmill waste material

$330

$660

cl21(1): use of spark arresters

$330

$660

cl22 (1) or (2): other safety requirements – agricultural / pastoral land

$330

$660

cl25: lighting fires for cooking, etc.

$330

$660

cl26 (1) or (2): burning garbage and refuse

$330

$660

cl27 (1) or (2): lighting fires to produce charcoal, etc

$330

$660

cl28(1): offence to light, use or carry tobacco product

$330

$660