Fire Danger Ratings
The Fire Danger Rating warns of the level of bush fire threat on any given day, based on the forecast weather conditions. It is an early indicator of the potential danger, should a bush fire start.
When a Fire Danger Rating is advised, you need to take it seriously and be prepared to act.
New Fire Danger Rating system
A new Fire Danger Rating system has been introduced, with a new top level category - Catastrophic (Code Red).
The Catastrophic (Code Red) level indicates that if there is a forecast of Catastrophic conditions, there is a very real likelihood of major loss of life and property.
What are the ratings and what do they mean?
CATASTROPHIC
Fire Behaviour
- Fires will be uncontrollable, unpredictable and very fast moving with highly aggressive flames extending high above tree tops and buildings.
- A thick river of embers will attack homes violently causing other fires to start rapidly and spread quickly up to 20 km ahead of the main fire.
Impact potential
- Fire will threaten suddenly, without warning and be incredibly hot and windy making it difficult to see, hear or breathe.
- Lives will be lost, people injured and homes and business destroyed or damaged.
- Even well prepared and constructed homes will not be safe.
- Expect power, water and phone networks to fail as severe winds bring down trees, power lines and blow roofs off buildings well ahead of the fire.
- Do not expect a fire truck.
What should I do?
- Ensure that your survival is the primary consideration in any decision.
- The safest option is for you and your family to leave early, hours or days before a fire occurs.
- Under no circumstances will it be safe to Stay and Defend.
- Ensure you stay well informed of current fire activity by monitoring local media and regularly checking for updates on the Rural Fire Service website or Information Line - 1800 679 737
EXTREME
Fire behaviour
- Fires will be uncontrollable, unpredictable and fast moving with flames in the tree tops, and higher than roof tops.
- Thousands of embers will be blown into and around homes causing other fires start and spread quickly up to 6 km ahead of the main fire.
Impact potential
- Fire will threaten suddenly, without warning and be very hot and windy making it difficult to see, hear and breathe.
- Lives may be lost and people injured and expect homes and business to be destroyed or damaged.
- Only very well prepared, constructed and actively defended homes are likely to offer any degree of safety.
- Power, water and phone networks are likely to fail because severe winds will bring down trees, power lines and blow roofs off buildings well ahead of the fire.
- Do not expect a fire truck
What should I do?
- Ensure that your survival is the primary consideration in any decision.
- Leaving early (hours before) will always be the safest option for you and your family
- Implement your Bush Fire Survival Plan (PDF 1800KB).
- If your Bush Fire Survival Plan includes the decision to Stay and Defend, only do so if your home is well prepared, constructed and you are currently capable of actively defending it.
- Stay well informed of current fire activity by monitoring local media and regularly checking for updates on the Rural Fire Service website or Information Line - 1800 679 737
SEVERE
Fire behaviour
- Fires will be difficult to control, unpredictable and fast moving with flames that may reach the tops of the trees and be higher than roof tops.
- Expect embers to be blown into and around homes causing other fires to start and spread up to 4 km ahead of main fire.
Impact potential
- Fire can threaten suddenly, without warning and be hot and windy which at times will make it difficult to see, hear and breathe.
- There is a chance lives may be lost and people injured and expect that some homes and business will be destroyed or damaged.
- Well prepared, constructed and actively defended homes are likely to offer safety during a fire.
- Power, water and phone networks may fail as winds may bring down trees, power lines and blow roofs off buildings ahead of the fire.
- Do not expect a fire truck.
What should I do?
- Ensure that your survival is the primary consideration in any decision.
- Leaving early (hours before) is the safest option for you and your family.
- Follow your Bush Fire Survival Plan (PDF 1800KB).
- Staying and defending is an option if your home is well prepared, constructed and you can actively defend it.
- Stay informed of current fire activity by monitoring local media and regularly checking for updates on the Rural Fire Service website or Information Line - 1800 679 737.
VERY HIGH
Fire behaviour
- Fires can be difficult to control quickly may be fast moving.
- Embers may be blown into and around homes causing other fires to occur up 2km ahead of the main fire.
Impact potential
- Fire can threaten suddenly, without warning and it may be hot and windy and at times difficult to see, hear and breathe.
- Loss of life and homes is unlikely.
- Well prepared and constructed homes that are actively defended can offer safety during a fire.
- Power, water and phone networks may fail.
What should I do?
- Ensure that your survival is the primary consideration in any decision.
- Leaving early (hours before) is the safest option for you and your family.
- Activate your Bush Fire Survival Plan (PDF 1800KB).
- Stay informed of current fire activity by monitoring local media and regularly checking for updates on the Rural Fire Service website or Information Line - 1800 679 737.
HIGH
Fire behaviour
- Fires can be controlled but can still present a threat.
- Embers may be blown ahead of the fire and into and around homes causing other fires to occur close to the main fire.
Impact potential
- A fire may threaten suddenly and without warning.
- Loss of life and homes is highly unlikely and well prepared homes that are actively defended can offer safety during a fire.
What should I do?
- Ensure your family and home is well prepared for the risk of bush fire.
- Review and practice your Bush Fire Survival Plan (PDF 1800KB).
- Monitor local media for fire activity and regularly check the Rural Fire Service website or Information Line - 1800 679 737.
LOW/MODERATE
Fire behavour
- Fires can be easily controlled and are slow moving with low flame heights.
Impact potential
- Little or no risk to life or homes.
What should I do?
- Ensure you have a current Bush Fire Survival Plan (PDF 1800KB).
- Ensure your family, home and property is well prepared for the risk of bush fire.
- Refer Rural Fire Service website or Information Line - 1800 679 737 for changes in fire activity.