People who ignore Total Fire Bans face tough new penalties with the introduction of a $1,000 on-the-spot fine.
Last bushfire season, 76 fires started on Total Fire Ban days as a result of people ignoring the ban and undertaking activities such as burn offs, campfires and using machinery that creates a spark such as angle grinding or welding.
Emergency Services Minister Francis Logan said Total Fire Bans are declared on days when fires will be very difficult to control and are most likely to threaten lives and property.
"Total Fire Bans are issued to protect the community and our emergency services personnel on days when weather conditions will make bushfires extremely hard to control or firefighting resources are stretched," he said.
"Ignorance isn't an excuse when it comes to Total Fire Bans, everyone has to play their part and take responsibility for keeping the community safe."
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services; the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions; WA Police and local governments all have the authority to issue penalties.
Agencies can also take further action to prosecute repeat offenders or more serious offences with a fine of up to $25,000 and/or imprisonment for 12 months.
Total Fire Bans prohibit lighting open air fires which includes deliberately lit fires, burn offs, cooking with open-fire appliances or campfires; or carrying out business activities that could start a fire including incinerators, welding, grinding, soldering or gas cutting.
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