(1) Subsection (2)
—
(a) has
effect subject to subsection (4) and sections 22C and 64 and any exemption
provided for in the regulations but despite any other provision of this Act;
and
(b)
applies —
(i)
in the period during which; and
(ii)
in the area of the State in respect of which,
a total fire ban has
effect.
(2) A person must not
—
(a)
light, maintain or use a fire in the open air; or
(b)
carry out an activity in the open air that causes, or is likely to cause, a
fire.
Penalty: a fine of $25 000 or imprisonment for 12
months, or both.
(3) Without limiting
subsection (2), a person commits an offence under that provision if the person
—
(a) uses
in the open air an appliance that consumes solid fuel; or
(b)
carries out in the open air any process or operation that is specified in
regulations made under section 27A(1)(a)(ii) as being a process or operation
likely to create a bush fire danger; or
(c)
carries out in the open air an activity that is prescribed by the regulations
for the purposes of this subsection.
(4) Subsection (2)
—
(a) does
not prohibit the use of a gas appliance as authorised under section 25(1aa);
and
(b) does
not apply to an activity, or in circumstances, prescribed by the regulations
for the purposes of this subsection.
[Section 22B inserted: No. 25 of 2009 s. 7.]