2021 Burn Off Season

Traditionally the Yorke Peninsula Council District has commenced their burn off season on 15 February.  Over the past decade there has been a significant reduction in the amount of burning off conducted by farmers in preparation for the coming season.  This year the burn off season for farmers will be commencing two weeks later than normal, on 1 March.

Reasons for starting the burn off season later than usual include:

Uniform starting date with other local councils – all of the burn offs (Including Copper Coast and Barunga West Councils). All burn offs occurring on the Yorke Peninsula can now be viewed via a single site on the internet. Burn off numbers have dramatically reduced in recent years (from 1200 in 2011 to less than 200 in 2020). Reduced risk of fires starting in summer due to burn offs. Very few farmers burn off from 15 February to 1 March. Being summer, the chance of a “very high” fire risk day during the last two weeks of February is high and they would not be allowed to burn anyhow (This may still occur even with the recent rains). Public perception of farmers burning off during summer is increased level of bushfire from fire escape.

It is anticipated that from 24 February farmers will be able to apply for their permit online.  The burn off data contained in this application will make it much easier to plot the site of the proposed burn off when notification of the burn off takes place. It is important that farmers place the correct section numbers on this application form as the burn off notification system that is used to validate a permit will be able to plot the proposed burn off on a map.