The Harvest Vehicle Movement Ban declared within Shire of Augusta Margaret River has been extended to 1900 hours today, 19 January 2022.

This extension has been put in place due to the high temperatures still being experienced along with low humidity.

Whilst the Harvest Vehicle Movement Ban will be lifted at 1900 hours, the Total Fire Ban remains in place across the Shire until midnight, 19 January 2022.

The following activities are NOT allowed: 

Open fires for the purpose of cooking, camping or outdoor entertainment, including fire pits and bonfires Any ‘hot works’ (e.g. welding, grinding, cutting, heating, etc.) in the ‘open air’ Off-road activity using a four-wheel drive, quad bike, motorcycle, bobcat or similar vehicle Harvesting operations Operation of off-road recreational vehicles (exceptions listed below). Other – use or operation of any engine, vehicle, plant equipment or machinery in the area likely to cause a bush fire or contribute to the spread of a bush fire.

The following activities ARE allowed:

Movement of Vehicles on ‘gazetted roads’ (as described in Bush Fires regulation 24A(3). Movement of vehicles on a lane, driveway, yard or other area that provides access to, or a parking facility at, any residential, farming or business premises, if the area has been sufficiently cleared of inflammable material to prevent the escape of fire. Use or operation of a vehicle if it is for the prevention of an immediate and serious risk to the health or safety of a person or livestock, and only if all reasonable precautions have been taken to prevent the activity from creating a bush fire danger

For a list of activities that can or cannot be carried out during a Total Fire Ban and conditions visit dfes.wa.gov.au/totalfirebans or by telephoning the Total Fire Ban Information Line on 1800 709 355.

You could be fined up to $25,000 or jailed for 12 months or both if you breach a Total Fire Ban.