SA Country Fire Service

Media release

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Stubble burning requires a permit

1/03/2013


The CFS is reminding farmers of their responsibilities with stubble burning now that the season for this activity has opened in the South East.

Many farmers use stubble burning as a cost-effective alternative to bailing the stubble for livestock or working it back into the soil.

CFS Regional Prevention Officer Jen Marsh said that this practice has been used by farmers for many years but farmers should not be complacent about obtaining and adhering to permit conditions to ensure the burn is done safely.

"The stubble burning season has now opened in the Upper and Lower South East Fire Ban Districts for farmers who favour this activity," Ms Marsh said.

"However burning will be banned in these Fire Ban Districts during the South East Field Days on Friday March 15 and Saturday March 16," she said.

Farmers must apply for a permit at their local council and should ensure that they understand their permit conditions when the permit is issued.

"Just because the season for burning stubble is now open doesn't simply mean that farmers will be able to obtain a permit on any given day," Ms Marsh said.

"The conditions to burn have to be suitable and it is a farmer's responsibility to ensure the weather conditions are correct before their stubble is lit."

Information about restrictions and permit requirements for other fire-related activities during the Fire Danger Season and on days declared Total Fire Bans, are available on the CFS website through the following link:

http://www.cfs.sa.gov.au/site/fire_restrictions/what_can_i_do_what_cant_i_do.jsp

Alternatively, information is also available through the Bushfire Information Hotline on 1300 362 361.

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Media information
For media enquiries call the CFS Media Line on 08 8115 3531.

Government of South Australia