Fire Danger Ratings tell you how dangerous a fire could be if one started.
They are important because they help you decide what actions to take to protect yourself and others from bushfires and grassfires.
Fire Danger Ratings are shown in the same way across the country, so whether you’re at home or travelling, you will see the same rating system.
Fire Danger Ratings will be issued on days when there is a fire risk, and each rating will have a clear set of messages including the actions the community can take to reduce their risk.
Ratings are forecast using data from the Bureau of Meteorology for up to four days in advance, based on weather and other environmental factors such as vegetation.
The rating is your trigger to take action and stay safe.
There are four levels of fire danger:
Moderate
– Plan and prepare
– Stay up-to-date and be ready to act if there is a fire
High
– Be ready to act
– There’s a heightened risk. Be alert for fires in
your area
– Decide what you will do if a fire starts
– If a fire starts, your life and property may be at risk. The safest option is to avoid bushfire risk areas
Extreme
– Take action now to protect your life and property
– Check your bushfire plan and that your property is fire ready
– If a fire starts, take immediate action. If you and your property are not prepared to the highest level, go to a safer
location well before the fire impacts
– Reconsider travel through bushfire risk areas
– Leaving bushfire risk areas early in the day is your safest option
Catastrophic
– These are the most dangerous conditions for a fire
– Your life may depend on the decisions you make, even before there is a fire
– Stay safe by going to a safer location early in the morning or the night before
– Homes cannot withstand fires in these conditions, you may not be able to leave and help might not be available
The system also introduces an ‘off’ level for days where no proactive action is required by the community, however
this does not mean that fires cannot happen.
This rating is the thin white wedge on the colour wheel sitting under ‘Moderate’.
