Matt P
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6 Sep 2026Purchased the retreat outdoor umbrella, had no isuues the quality is nothing but awesome would definitely recommend this product and my Acare was very easy to work with
How big can a fire be without a permit?
How big can a fire be without a permit? In Queensland the limit is under 2 metres wide and high, in Tasmania one cubic metre, and most states set no size limit for contained fire pits. Here's how each state draws the line.
Maximum Dimensions for Common Burn Types
Australia doesn't have one national size limit for outdoor fires. Each state writes its own rules, and most of the published numbers apply to burn-offs rather than fire pits. Here's how the main burn types are treated.
Agricultural clearance and hazard reduction
Clearing burns and hazard reduction burns are where size limits actually bite. These are the fires the authorities watch closely, and in most states they need a permit.
The two-metre rule in Queensland
Queensland is the clearest of the lot. You don't need a permit for a fire under 2 metres wide and 2 metres high. Anything bigger needs a permit to light fire before you strike a match.
When Victoria requires a permit
Victoria decides by purpose and season, not by size. A fire for cooking or warmth needs no permit, provided it sits in a properly constructed fireplace, and that includes a fire pit, chiminea or brazier.
Open-air burning is the different animal. During the declared Fire Danger Period it needs a permit, and on a total fire ban day no solid fuel fire can be lit at all. Check the CFA and your council before you light anything bigger than a fire pit.
How NSW decides if you need a permit
NSW works the same way. A contained recreational fire in a backyard fire pit needs no approval, whatever its size, so long as you burn clean fuel and don't smoke out the neighbours.
Burning off is the one that catches people. Most NSW councils prohibit it outright unless they specifically allow it, and during the bush fire danger period you need a permit from the RFS where burning is permitted at all. Get that answer in writing.
Recreational usage and outdoor cooking
Recreational fires are treated far more gently. A contained fire for cooking or warmth is broadly allowed across Australia without a permit. The Northern Territory permits small fires for cooking, boiling water or comfort, with 4 metres cleared around them. In built-up areas, the ACT asks for a brazier or properly constructed fireplace with 3 metres cleared.
Legalities of backyard fire pits
A domestic fire pit sits comfortably inside every state's thresholds. In Tasmania, fires up to one cubic metre are allowed, with free registration required during a fire permit period and 3 metres cleared around and above. In WA, local governments set their own limits, and some restrict fire pits to 1.5 metres by 1.5 metres and evening hours only. In practice, size limits are a burn-off problem, not a fire pit problem.
When Standard Allowances No Longer Apply
Every allowance above has an off switch. Weather, season and local rules can all override the size limits, no matter how small the fire.
Declared fire danger periods and total fire bans
On a total fire ban day, solid fuel fires are prohibited everywhere, regardless of size. A permit doesn't save you either, because bans override existing permits. Gas and electric appliances are generally still allowed, but check the rules for your district before lighting anything.
Local council zoning and property size restrictions
Your council can layer its own rules on top of state law. Some restrict open burning by zone or property size, and smoke that bothers the neighbours can be treated as a nuisance. The safest move is to check your council's rules directly and keep a copy of the answer.
General rules for suburban backyard fires
A few rules hold everywhere. Keep 3 to 4 metres clear around the fire, depending on your state. Burn dry, seasoned wood only. Treated timber, plastic and rubbish are banned fuels in every state. If smoke is the sticking point in your suburb, a smokeless fire pit keeps it to a minimum.
Compliant Containment for Outdoor Entertaining
The easiest way to stay inside the rules is a proper container. A purpose-built fire pit keeps the flame contained, off the ground and well inside every state's thresholds.
Selecting the right product for your space
Match the pit to the space first, then to the way you entertain. A small courtyard suits a compact bowl, while a large acreage entertaining area can carry something far bigger.
Exploring different types of outdoor fire pits
Fire pits come as open bowls, cast iron drums, smokeless double-wall designs and gas-fired fire tables. If you're weighing up which style suits you, our guide to fire pits versus fire tables covers the differences.
Comparing chimineas and traditional fire pits
A chiminea encloses the flame and sends smoke up through its chimney, which suits smaller patios. A traditional open pit throws heat in every direction and takes bigger logs. Both count as contained fires, so both sit on the right side of the rules.
Ready to build your own fire zone? Browse the My Acre range of fire pits and find a compliant centrepiece for your outdoor area, whatever size your property is.
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