Important: All fire-breaks and hazard-reduction measures must be in place by November 1st each year and maintained until the end of the Prohibited Burning Period. This is a legal requirement under the Bush Fires Act 1954 and the Toodyay Fire-Break Notice. Shire of Toodyay – Fire Control Officers
Quick links: Fire Restrictions & Permits (Local Guide) • Toodyay Fire-Break Notice • Fire-Break Variation Application • Total Fire Bans (DFES/Toodyay)
Shire Rangers conduct roadside and property inspections regularly to ensure fire-breaks and compliance measures are in place — please don’t wait for a reminder notice! Toodyay Ranger Services
Prevention
The Shire of Toodyay administers the Bush Fires Act 1954 and uses its provisions to help prevent or reduce bushfire impacts. Key tools include the annual Fire-Break Notice (minimum standards to be maintained on properties) and local Fire Restrictions & Permits, which impose conditions or bans on burning depending on the season.
During periods of heightened risk, the Shire may also enact a Harvest & Vehicle Movement Ban to reduce the chance of ignition under unfavourable conditions. Prevention is a shared responsibility: service machinery, keep areas around stationary motors clear, and maintain tidy, low-fuel properties.
Need a different fire-break treatment? Property owners can apply for an individual variation if standard fire-break requirements cannot reasonably be met on their land. (Historic reference: 2018–19 Fire-Break Notice (PDF).)
Be Prepared
Residents are responsible for their own safety and should have a clear emergency plan for their household. Know your trigger points for leaving early, your routes, and how to access alerts and warnings. Guidance is available from the Shire administration and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) website.
- Prepare property and access (driveways, gates, water points) so emergency services can reach you safely.
- Understand the current fire restrictions & permits and adjust activities accordingly.
- Stay current with Total Fire Bans, Harvest & Vehicle Movement Bans, and Fire Danger Ratings.
- Have PPE, hoses, and a backup power/water plan if you choose to stay and defend (only if it is safe and you are prepared).
Keep your plan simple and practiced. If you’re unsure, leave early—well before conditions deteriorate. DFES & local brigade advice
Response
Within the Shire of Toodyay, five Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades, a Volunteer Fire & Rescue Service Brigade, WA Police, St John Ambulance, and the State Emergency Service respond to emergencies. The Shire’s Ranger & Emergency Services and Fire Control Officers coordinate bushfire responses and support partner agencies.
Local volunteer services always welcome support and new volunteers in a range of roles. To get involved, contact your nearest brigade or the Shire for current details.
Recovery
After major incidents, the Shire facilitates recovery by restoring infrastructure and supporting residents and community groups with programs and services. Keep records of damage and costs where safe to do so, and watch official channels for recovery information.
Resources & Official Links
- Toodyay Fire-Break Notice
- Fire-Break Notice – Individual Variation Application
- Fire Restrictions & Permits (Morangup Guide)
- Total Fire Bans (DFES/Toodyay)
- Fire-Break Notice (2018–19 PDF – historic reference)
This page is provided as a community information guide. Always refer to the latest official notices from the Shire of Toodyay and DFES for current legal requirements and emergency instructions.
Volunteer & Community Involvement
Becoming a volunteer is a great way to connect with others while contributing to your local community. The Shire of Toodyay has five active volunteer Bush Fire Brigades — Bejoording, Coondle-Nunile, Julimar, Morangup and Toodyay Central — as well as the Toodyay SES Unit.
To be put in touch with your local brigade/unit please SMS the brigade or unit name (as listed above) followed by your name to 0408 017 439. Shire of Toodyay – Volunteer Services
Harvest and Vehicle Movement Bans
A Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban may be applied during the Restricted or Prohibited Burning Period. The Shire of Toodyay will determine the need for a ban and advertise it via the Harvest Ban SMS Notification System.
- Harvest Ban: A ban on all harvesting operations on all properties within the Shire of Toodyay.
- Vehicle Movement Ban: A ban on all vehicle movements on properties within the Shire of Toodyay, except for essential watering of stock (using a diesel-powered vehicle only).
There is an automatic ban on harvesting and vehicle movement on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and Australia Day each year.
Hot works such as welding, cutting, or grinding must comply with Bush Fires Regulations 39C (applicable at all times). However, the Shire strongly recommends postponing such works during Harvest, Vehicle Movement and Hot Works Bans. Shire of Toodyay – Fire Control Officers
Harvest Ban SMS Notification System
The Shire of Toodyay uses an SMS Notification System to notify residents of Harvest Bans, Total Fire Bans, and changes to the Restricted or Prohibited Burning Period dates.
- 📱 To register: Message BANS to 0408 017 439
- ❌ To unsubscribe (Opt-Out): Reply with STOP to any message received from the service.
Key Contacts
- Shire of Toodyay: 9574 9300
- Ranger Services: 9574 9370
- Community Emergency Services Manager: 0458 042 104
- Reserve Management Officer: 0448 284 260
Disclaimer: This information is intended as a guide only. Morangup 6083, the Shire of Toodyay, its employees and agents disclaim all liability in respect of any act or omission occurring in reliance on the content of this advice material or any subsequently related materials and brochures. Community Advisory Notice