Australian Fire Danger Ratings
Living in a bushfire risk area means danger is on your doorstep.
The new Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS) is your simplified survival tool. Its daily forecast tells you how dangerous a bushfire would be if it broke out, and what you need to do to stay safe on Moderate, High, Extreme and Catastrophic days.
The new Australian Fire Danger Rating System. Learn to live by it.
The Fire Danger Rating is an indicator of how dangerous a bushfire could be if it did occur. It is not a predictor of how likely a bushfire is to occur. It should be used as an early indicator to trigger your plans.
You need to understand the Fire Danger Rating to help you assess your level of bushfire risk and to decide what actions to take.
The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts the rating each day. The higher the Fire Danger Rating, the more dangerous the fire conditions.
The Fire Danger Rating will help you understand the predicted bushfire behaviour, potential impacts and recommended actions you should take for each category level. We recommend you take the time to review and understand the ratings.
Remember:
- Fires can threaten suddenly and without warning
- Watch for signs of fire, especially smoke and flames
- Know the Fire Danger Rating in your area for the day, be aware of local conditions and keep informed
- Have your Bushfire Survival Plan and kit ready
- Call 000 to report a fire
- To find out more
- listen to local radio,
- call the Information Hotline on 1800 362 361 (TTY 133 677).
Understanding the new system
From 1 September 2022, Australia's Fire Danger Rating System will be improved and simplified, to make it easier for you to make decisions to stay safe on days of fire danger risk.
The move to a simpler system is backed by improvements in science, which will mean we can better predict areas of greater risk on days of fire danger.
Across the country there will be nationally consistent colours and terminology. This means that wherever you go in Australia, and whatever the season or fuels you’re surrounded by, you can understand the level of threat and what you need to do to stay safe.
Levels of fire danger risk
| Fire Danger Rating | What does it mean? | What should I do? |
|---|---|---|
| MODERATE |
Most fires can be controlled
|
Plan and prepare
|
| HIGH |
Fires can be dangerous
|
Be ready to act
|
| EXTREME TOTAL FIRE BAN |
Fires will spread quickly and be extremely dangerous
|
Take action now to protect your life and property
|
| CATASTROPHIC TOTAL FIRE BAN |
If a fire starts and takes hold, lives are likely to be lost
|
For your survival, leave bushfire risk areas
|
The AFDRS introduces ‘no rating’ for days where no proactive action is required by a community. This does not mean that fires cannot happen, but that they are less likely to move or act in a way that threatens the safety of the community.
Fire Danger Ratings vs Warnings
Fire Danger Ratings
Describe the potential level of danger a community could face, should a bushfire start. Use Fire Danger Ratings to understand and act before a fire starts.
Warnings
Provide information about what to do during a hazard, such as a bushfire. Use Warnings to understand what danger you're in, and what you need to do to stay safe.