City of Bunbury's fire pit ban branded 'silly' as cold weather hits
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Western Australia's biggest regional city says it has banned backyard fire pits to alleviate bushfire concerns and to take pressure off firefighters ahead of what authorities warn could be a "very dry winter".
The ban, implemented by the City of Bunbury at the end of last year, means locals on land of two hectares or less cannot use pits or have campfires any time of year.
Fire bans are common in summer across WA's south-west, but residents have been able to apply for permits for backyard fires at other times.
Gavin Pound became aware of the ban when he tried to apply for a permit to have a fire pit going for his daughter's birthday party.
"It was overcast and cold and everything like that," he said.
"[We were told], 'By the way, pit fires in Bunbury have been banned completely.'
"People solve problems around a pit fire out the back.
"I understand banning fires during the summertime, sure, but this is inner-city Bunbury—it's not out in the bush.
"It's just a silly, silly attitude."
"Are you going to be responsible for telling your grandchildren that we can't roast marshmallows on the back fire and have all that fun?
"We've been trying to find out what we can do to reverse this and have a sensible attitude to having a pit fire in the backyard."
Council to review ban
The South West region is prone to bushfires and earlier this year crews worked through the night to contain a blaze that came close to Bunbury prison.
That followed a blaze in the neighbouring shire of Capel that burned underground for months last year.
During the past five years, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services reported 22 fires in the City of Bunbury that were caused by open flames, campfires, bonfires, and outdoor cooking.
A similar ban is also in place in Port Hedland, where backyard fires are prohibited year-round because of the Pilbara's climate.
The City of Bunbury has confirmed it was reconsidering the policy due to the response from residents.
"We acknowledge our community doesn't necessarily support this change and the city is listening," Bunbury Mayor Jason Miguel said.
"[The] restrictions were suggested due to dry soil conditions, the weather, the number of fires in the area, and emergency services' resources.
"We are currently reconsidering the policy."
The issue is expected to come before the council again in June.
Written by Pip Waller, Jacqueline Lynch, ABC News.
The ban, implemented by the City of Bunbury at the end of last year, means locals on land of two hectares or less cannot use pits or have campfires any time of year.
Fire bans are common in summer across WA's south-west, but residents have been able to apply for permits for backyard fires at other times.
Gavin Pound has a fire pit in his yard, but he can't light it due to the City of Bunbury's ban. ABC South West WA: Pip Waller
"It was overcast and cold and everything like that," he said.
"[We were told], 'By the way, pit fires in Bunbury have been banned completely.'
Mr Pound says common sense should prevail. ABC South West WA: Pip Waller
"People solve problems around a pit fire out the back.
"I understand banning fires during the summertime, sure, but this is inner-city Bunbury—it's not out in the bush.
"It's just a silly, silly attitude."
"We've been trying to find out what we can do to reverse this and have a sensible attitude to having a pit fire in the backyard."
The ban is a bridge too far for many in Bunbury. Supplied: Kristy Moore
Council to review ban
The South West region is prone to bushfires and earlier this year crews worked through the night to contain a blaze that came close to Bunbury prison.
That followed a blaze in the neighbouring shire of Capel that burned underground for months last year.
During the past five years, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services reported 22 fires in the City of Bunbury that were caused by open flames, campfires, bonfires, and outdoor cooking.
A similar ban is also in place in Port Hedland, where backyard fires are prohibited year-round because of the Pilbara's climate.
The blanket ban came after a number of fires in the area. ABC South West WA: Jon Daly
The City of Bunbury has confirmed it was reconsidering the policy due to the response from residents.
"We acknowledge our community doesn't necessarily support this change and the city is listening," Bunbury Mayor Jason Miguel said.
"[The] restrictions were suggested due to dry soil conditions, the weather, the number of fires in the area, and emergency services' resources.
"We are currently reconsidering the policy."
The issue is expected to come before the council again in June.
Written by Pip Waller, Jacqueline Lynch, ABC News.
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