Australia Bushfire Risk Checker
Check bushfire risk level for your location in Australia. Shows danger rating, alert system and emergency preparation checklists.
🔥 Bushfire Safety
- • Have an emergency plan before fire season
- • Prepare your property (clear gutters, trim trees)
- • Monitor official fire danger ratings
- • Leave early - don't wait for evacuation orders
- • Have emergency supplies ready
- • Keep your car fueled in fire season
📞 Emergency Contacts
Fire/Emergency: 000
Bushfire Hotline: Check your state's emergency services
Australia's Fire Danger Rating System
The Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS) introduced 2022 simplifies fire warnings to 4 levels: Moderate (orange), High (yellow), Extreme (red), Catastrophic (red with black). 'Catastrophic' (formerly 'Code Red') indicates conditions where fire cannot be controlled - residents in fire-prone areas should leave the night before forecast. 'Extreme' means major fires likely; properties at risk.
Daily fire danger ratings published by state fire authorities (RFS in NSW, CFA in Victoria, QFES in Queensland, etc.) and weather media. Modern ratings consider weather, fuel load, drought, recent rainfall - not just temperature/wind. Catastrophic days are rare - typically 1-3 per year in fire-prone areas during peak season.
Total Fire Bans
Local councils or state fire authorities declare Total Fire Bans (TFB) on high-risk days. During TFB: no fires of any kind outdoors, no welding or angle grinding outdoors, no slashing/mowing in dry vegetation, no incinerators. Penalties for breaching TFB: $5,000+ for individuals, much more for businesses. Ignorance is no defence.
Bushfire season runs typically October-March in NSW/Victoria, year-round in Queensland and northern Australia. Fire restrictions vary across season - early season often 'permit required'; peak season often 'TFB'; late season 'permit required'. Stay aware of local fire authority's daily declarations.
Bushfire Survival Plan
Every household in fire-prone areas should have a written bushfire survival plan covering: 1) When to leave (early on Catastrophic days, or when first warnings issued), 2) Where to go (relatives, designated relief centres, town centre), 3) What to take (Fire Action Plan emergency kit, important documents, photos, medication), 4) How to communicate (charged phones, agreed meet-up points if separated).
The 'leave early' philosophy has been emphasised since the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires. Staying and defending requires extensive preparation, training, and physical capability - not advisable for most households. CFA Victoria's 'Leaving Early' guide provides detailed planning templates. Update the plan annually before bushfire season.
Property Preparation
Year-round measures: maintain 20m clear zone around the house (no vegetation closer), gutters cleared of leaves, smoke alarms tested, fire-resistant paint/cladding where possible. Pre-season checks (September-October): water tanks full, sprinkler systems tested, fuel/oil/gas containers stored properly, garden hoses connected and accessible.
BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) ratings classify properties from BAL-LOW to BAL-FZ (Flame Zone). New constructions in fire-prone areas must meet BAL standards. Existing properties can be upgraded for fire resistance - shutters, ember screens, replacing flammable roofing. Insurance premiums correlate with BAL ratings - higher rating = higher premium. Use the [Australia Pay Calculator](/australia-pay-calculator) for insurance budget context.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my area is at risk?
State emergency services have bushfire risk maps online. Properties in or near bushland, on hillsides, or in semi-rural areas have higher risk than urban suburban properties. Check your council's planning maps for BAL ratings. Insurance providers also use these maps in pricing.
What's the difference between bushfire and grassfire?
Bushfire: forest/bushland fires, typically slower-spreading but very destructive due to fuel load. Grassfire: open paddock/grassland fires, fast-spreading (60+ km/h possible) but less intense per metre. Both threaten homes; grassfires often surround properties before they can be defended.
Can I burn off my property?
During permit periods, yes with a council/CFA permit. Outside permit periods, varying rules. During TFB, no. Always check local rules and notify neighbours before any burning. Escaped private burns cause many bushfires - personal liability for damage can be substantial.
What's the fire app I should download?
VicEmergency (Victoria), Fires Near Me NSW (NSW), QLDAlert (Queensland), Emergency+ (national). All free, all push notifications for nearby fires. Australia-wide bushfire information at hazards.org.au and ABC Emergency Broadcaster on radio.