Firebreaks and compliance
Firebreaks isolate separate areas by wide strips designed to reduce or halt the progression of fire in bush, pasture, forest or vacant land. Firebreaks contribute to the protection of vegetation from bushfires in the dry season. View the 2025/2026 Firebreak Notice for more information.
By preparing your property with firebreaks and maintaining an asset protection zone, you can significantly reduce the spread and impact of fires, while also helping emergency services to respond more effectively. Following the City’s Firebreak and Hazard Reduction Notice is not just a safety measure but a legal requirement to avoid fines and penalties.
What you are required to do
Each year, prior to 15 November, all owners or occupiers of land within the City of Melville are required to clear flammable matter from their land and maintain this until 30 April the following year.
Land which is 1,500m2 or less, or zoned Residential, is to be cleared of all flammable matter from the whole of the land except for living trees, shrubs and plants under cultivation, and lawns. Slashing and removal of long-standing grass on the entire block and verge to ground level would be considered an acceptable means of removing flammable material from the property.
Flammable matter includes:
- longstanding grass
- weeds
- boxes
- cartons
- paper
- rubbish
- any combustible matter
All other land in excess of 1,500m2 is to have firebreak of a minimum width of 3m inside all external boundaries of the properties.
Please note that if you have an approved building licence that has been issued by the City of Melville, and construction has not commenced by 15 November of that year, you are required to comply with the Bush Fires Act 1954 and clear the land.
Please also note properties with houses are also required to comply with the Bush Fires Act 1954 by removing all flammable matter from the property and verge prior to 15 November each year.
What the City will do
The City of Melville will send out a written notification to maintain the land in October each year. All firebreaks on vacant land must be completed by 15 November each year and maintained until 30 April the following year and are not required or enforced at other times.
MelSafe will inspect properties during November/December to ensure compliance.
Should you fail to install the firebreak or clear land of flammable matter, you will be liable for an infringement of $250, or a fine with a penalty of up to $5,000, as well as the cost of performing the work.
It is important to note that the burning of rubbish, refuse, vegetation or offensive matter is prohibited within the City of Melville, except where written approval has been issued by Health Services for use of an approved incinerator unit.
Reporting a fire hazard
If you believe a bushfire-related hazard poses a threat or significantly increases the potential spread of a bushfire, you can report the property to MelSafe on 131 247.
When reporting a bushfire-related hazard, please specify the location (private property address or reserve name) and details of the hazard. The City will investigate all reports and take the necessary action to ensure the safety of our community.
Over 90% of Western Australia is bushfire prone and bushfire can start at any time. Whether you live in a regional area, the suburbs or the inner city, everyone needs to be prepared. Creating a bushfire plan can take just 15 minutes and is the best way to keep you and your household safe. Use the Emergency WA tool to create an emergency plan.
For more information on preparing for an emergency, visit our page on Emergency Management.