Fire Danger Period & Total Fire Ban tip 3 - Commercial catering
Outdoor weddings and community events are a very popular summer activity but many people are completely unaware of restrictions in force that impact commercial catering during the Fire Danger Period and Total Fire Bans.
Let’s run through the facts of Fire Danger Period and Total Fire Ban commercial catering restrictions.
During the Fire Danger Period can I set up and light a fire to operate a barbecue, cooker or hotplate at outdoor functions if I run a meal preparation business (eg. catering), or am a community/charitable/fundraising or similar organisation?
Yes but it must comply with the following conditions:
The wind is not more than 10km/h (this can be observed if leaves and small twigs are in constant motion)
The fire is lit in a properly-constructed fireplace or in a trench at least 30 centimetres deep
The area within a distance of 3 metres from the outer perimeters and uppermost point of the fire is clear of flammable material
The fire does not occupy an area of more than 1 square metre and the size and dimensions of fuel used are the minimum necessary for the purpose
A person is in attendance at all times while the fire is alight and has the capacity and means to extinguish the fire
The fire is completely extinguished before the person leaves
If you cannot meet these conditions you will need to apply for a permit from a CFA District office.
During a day of Total Fire Ban can I set up and light a fire to operate a barbecue, cooker, hotplate or a spit at outdoor functions if I run a meal preparation business (eg. catering), or am a community/charitable/fundraising or similar organisation?
No unless you have a written permit issued by CFA, MFB or DELWP and you comply with the conditions of that permit.
A community organisation, a charitable organisation or an organisation involved in fundraising (for example, a school or sporting group) may apply for permission to light a fire to prepare meals for other people in the course of their business.
These permits are issued by, and at the discretion of, local CFA district offices, CFA headquarters, MFB district offices, or the Chief Fire Officer of DELWP in Fire Protected Areas. Municipal Fire Prevention Officers cannot issue these permits.
Failing to comply with either Total Fire Ban or Fire Danger Period commercial catering restrictions may lead to significant penalties being applied.