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Events held outdoors must consider Victoria’s fire danger ratings and total fire ban declarations, especially during the fire season (usually October to April). These restrictions are in place to protect lives, property and the environment.

Fire Danger Ratings (FDR)

The FDR tells you how dangerous a fire could be if one started. The Australian FDR system has 4 levels:

  • Moderate – Plan and prepare
  • High – Be ready to act
  • Extreme – Take action now to protect life and property
  • Catastrophic – For your survival, leave bushfire risk areas.

As the rating increases, so does the risk to your event. In the leadup to your event, you must monitor the FDR daily on the CFA website or VicEmergency app.

Total Fire Ban days (TFB)

On TFB days, strict restrictions apply to activities involving flame or heat, including:

  • pyrotechnics or fireworks
  • open fires (campfires, barbecues using solid fuel)
  • outdoor cooking using gas or LPG (only permitted if strict safety controls are in place)
  • use of machinery or equipment that may cause sparks
  • welding or grinding outdoors.

If your event involves any of these activities, you must:

  • cease them on TFB days, unless you've received a CFA Section 40 Permit (see below)
  • have fire extinguishers and trained staff on hand for high-risk areas
  • ensure that emergency access is clear, particularly for fire appliances
  • liaise with the CFA/Fire Rescue Victoria about your event plans and any permit requirements.

Event planning responsibilities

As an event organiser, you are responsible for:

  • checking the Fire Danger Rating and Total Fire Ban status each day in the lead-up to your event
  • having contingency plans in place (for example, cancelling high-risk activities)
  • clearly communicating fire safety protocols to staff, contractors and vendors
  • including fire risk in your Risk Assessment and Emergency Management Plan.

CFA permits

A Section 40 Permit may allow certain flame-based activities on TFB days, but strict conditions apply. Learn about TFB permits on the CFA website.