Pile Burn Applications

Applying for approvals to burn

As a first step in the process and outside of the Bushfire Danger Period, to undertake pile burning activities within Wollondilly, residents and landowners must first obtain a General Approval to Burn (GATB) permit from Wollondilly Shire Council. GATBs are only issued outside the NSW Bush Fire Danger Period to properties over 4,000 square metres in size within the following zonings:

RU4 (Primary Production Small Lots)

RU1 (Primary Production)

RU2 (Rural Landscape)

C3 (Environmental Management)

C4 (Environmental Living).

Properties zoned R5 – Large Lot Residential are not eligible for a GATB.

Any proposed burn that does not meet all the criteria in the GATB, including those properties zoned R5 – Large Lot Residential will need to apply for a Pile Burn Application. This form is available on Council’s website https://www.wollondilly.nsw.gov.au/planning-and-development/development-forms/application-to-pile-burn. All applications will be assessed by Council Rangers and a permit issued, if appropriate.

Prior to any burn, and after receiving your GATB or Pile Burn approval, the next step in the process is to notify RFS of your intention to burn at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/notify and complete the online notification form 24 hours prior to lighting the fire.

Permits and Approvals must be available to show to a NSW Rural Fire Service or Fire Rescue NSW Officer or Council’s Rangers that attend the property undertaking the pile burning activity.

How to apply for a General Approval to Burn:

Log in to our Customer Portal and apply online
Phone Council on 4677 1100
Email Council and provide the address of the property where the burning is to occur

How to apply for a Pile Burn Permit:

If you don’t qualify for a General Approval to Burn due to your property zoning, yet your property is over 4000 square metres in size; please complete a Pile Burn Permit Application form.

Important information to note when undertaking activities involving fire

The NSW Bush Fire Danger Period is in force from 1 October to 31 March each year, unless varied by the NSW Rural Fire Service.
A person who lights a fire without the required approvals is guilty of an offence, with penalties including large fines and/or imprisonment.
Every landholder has a responsibility to prevent fire from spreading from their property and there can be serious consequences for people who light fires and leave them unattended. A requirement of the approval process is that there must be a responsible adult in attendance at all times that the fire is alight. An escaped Pile Burn can be very difficult for firefighters to contain.