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Fire Hazards and Firebreaks

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Firebreak Time: 1 November – 15 April each year.

Firebreaks and fuel reduction works must be completed by 1 November each year and maintained until 15 April the following year.

To help protect your property, neighbours and the wider community from the threat of bushfire, ensure all required firebreaks are installed and grass, weeds and other vegetation are maintained in accordance with the City's Fire Control Order throughout the entire Firebreak time.

Property inspections

From 1 November to 15 April each year, the City's Fire Control Officers inspect private properties to ensure they comply with the City's Fire Control Order.

Maintaining your property in accordance with the Fire Control Order is an important part of reducing bushfire risk and helping protect the wider community.

If you believe a private property is not compliant during the inspection period, please contact the City on (08) 9411 3444 or email us. Properties are only required to comply with the Fire Control Order between 1 November and 15 April.

If the property is owned or managed by the State Government, please contact the relevant government agency directly, as the city unableto take action on these types of properties.

All properties (vacant or developed) – less than 4,047m2  

For properties under 4,047m², reducing grass, weeds and other vegetation is one of the most effective ways to lower bushfire risk around your home and property.

Dry grass, weeds and dead vegetation can act as fuel for a bushfire, allowing fire to spread quickly and increasing the risk to people, homes and other assets. Keeping vegetation maintained helps reduce the intensity of a fire and can improve the safety of residents and emergency responders.

To comply with the Fire Control Order:

  • Grass, weeds and other flammable vegetation must be maintained to a maximum height of 50mm across the property.
  • Dead vegetation and other combustible material must be removed where required.
  • These standards must be maintained throughout the compliance period.

Regular maintenance not only helps meet legal requirements but also contributes to a safer property, neighbourhood and community during the bushfire season.

Example of an image which has a firebreak which is less than 4,047m2

All properties (vacant or developed) – 4,047m2 or greater 

For properties 4,047m² or greater, firebreaks are a critical bushfire preparedness measure. A firebreak is a cleared, trafficable area designed to reduce the amount of combustible vegetation and provide safe access for emergency vehicles during a bushfire.

Well-maintained firebreaks help to:

  • Slow or reduce the spread of fire across a property.
  • Provide access for firefighters and emergency vehicles.
  • Create safer areas for firefighting operations.
  • Improve overall bushfire preparedness and property resilience.

Firebreaks must be constructed and maintained in accordance with the City's Fire Control Order. Depending on the property and terrain, firebreaks can be established using a range of methods, including earth-moving equipment, grazing, cultivation, herbicide treatment, or other approved vegetation management techniques.

For detailed firebreak specifications and requirements, please refer to Section 3 of the Fire Control Order.

 

image of a firebreak on a property that is 4,047m2 or greater

Can Emergency Vehicles Access Your Property?

Installing a firebreak is only part of the requirement — it also needs to be usable by emergency vehicles during a bushfire.

Take a moment to walk or drive the length of your firebreaks and ask yourself:

  • Could a large fire truck safely travel along the entire firebreak?
  • Are there any overhanging branches, gates, fences or other obstacles restricting access?
  • Is the surface firm and trafficable?
  • Can a fire truck safely negotiate corners and changes in direction?
  • Is there sufficient space for emergency vehicles to turn around if required?

During a bushfire, firefighters rely on firebreaks to quickly access properties, undertake firefighting operations and protect lives and assets. A firebreak that is too narrow, obstructed or difficult to navigate may limit emergency response when every minute counts.

If a fire truck can't use your firebreak, it may not provide the level of protection or access intended under the Fire Control Order.

Graphic showing a truck utilising a firebreak to turn the corner

Be Fire Season Ready – Our Fire Control Officers Are Here to Help

Don't wait until the last minute to prepare your property for Fire Control Order season. Taking action now can save you time, reduce stress, and help protect your family, home, neighbours, and community from the threat of bushfire.

Our experienced Fire Control Officers are available to provide free property inspections and practical advice to help you understand your responsibilities and ensure your property meets the City's Fire Control Order requirements.

During an inspection, our officers can:

- Explain Fire Control Order requirements in plain language
- Identify any areas that may require attention before the compliance deadline
- Provide practical tips to reduce bushfire risk around your property
- Discuss vegetation management and firebreak requirements
- Answer your questions and help you avoid costly compliance issues later in the season
- Give you confidence that your property is prepared and compliant

Being prepared isn't just about meeting requirements—it's about improving the safety and resilience of your property before an emergency occurs. Small actions taken now can make a significant difference during a bushfire and help firefighters safely access and defend properties if needed.

Whether you're a new property owner, unsure of the requirements, or simply want peace of mind, our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Book your free property inspection today and take action now to prepare, prevent, and protect. contact us

Graphic showing a truck utilising a firebreak to turn the corner
Fire Control Order variations

A variation is considered when the owner and/or occupier believes it’s impractical to meet the compliance requirements of this Fire Control Order. 

‘Approved structures’ occupying a firebreak don’t require a variation approval but a firebreak needs to be installed as close as practical around it.

If approved, variations will be valid in perpetuity, unless a new variation has been approved or the property changes ownership.

The City of Cockburn reserves the right to review, amend or revoke an existing variation in writing at any time. Should a request to vary the Fire Control Order requirements on your property not be approved in writing, this Fire Control Order must be complied with as applicable in its entirety. 

If you can’t comply with the above requirements, please complete the online Firebreak Variation Application Form.

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City of Cockburn
Whadjuk Boodjar
9 Coleville Crescent,
Spearwood 6163

PO Box 1215, Bibra Lake DC,
Western Australia, 6965

Office opening hours:
8.30am to 4.30pm
Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)

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Cockburn Nyungar moort Beeliar boodja-k kaadadjiny. Koora, yeyi, benang baalap nidja boodja-k kaaradjiny.
Ngalak kaditj boodjar kep wer kaadidjiny kalyakool yoodaniny, wer koora wer yeyi ngalak Birdiya koota-djinanginy.

The City of Cockburn acknowledges the Nyungar people of Beeliar Boodjar. Long ago, now and in the future they care for Country.
We acknowledge a continuing connection to Land, Waters and Culture and pay our respects to Elders, past and present.