Fire danger ratings

The Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS) is changing how fire danger is forecast in Australia. The system will be the same in all Australian states and territories. It aims to improve public safety and reduce the impacts of bushfires by:

• Improving the scientific accuracy behind fire danger predictions.
• Improving the way that fire danger is communicated.
• Providing government and industry with better decision-making tools.
• Reducing the costs associated with bushfire impacts.

Fire danger ratings describe the potential level of danger if a bushfire starts. They are important because they provide people with information so that they can protect themselves and others from the impacts of bushfires. They do not indicate the chance of a fire occurring.

One of Australia’s largest surveys of the community showed a majority of Australians did not understand the current system. The new fire danger rating system uses fewer levels, logical colours, and clear and concise messages to help people to protect themselves and others when bushfires could occur.

Victoria’s fire danger rating system will change from six levels to four. All signs in Victoria will be replaced with new signs. The current fire danger rating system is based on science that is more than 60 years old. The AFDRS uses the latest science about weather, vegetation and how fire behaves in different landscapes to improve fire danger forecasts. This means emergency services will be better prepared, make improved decisions, and provide better advice to the community.

(Left to Right: Victoria's old system and Australia's new system)

Road-side signs will start to be replaced and updated from 1 September. The look and feel of the new signs will be the same in all states and territories across Australia. Prioritisation in Victoria will be given to those communities most at risk.

A greater ability to predict fire danger at a more local level will allow for tailored information for vulnerable communities and at-risk groups. The new system will:

• Improving the scientific accuracy behind fire danger predictions.
• Improving the way that fire danger is communicated
• Providing government and industry with better decision-making tools.
• Building a truly national system.

There are now four levels instead of six and the highest level is “catastrophic.” There is no longer a code red in Victoria. The new levels are:

• Moderate: Plan and prepare
• High: Prepare to act
• Extreme: Take action now to protect your life and property
• Catastrophic: For your survival, leave bush fire risk areas

You should always monitor conditions and the VicEmergency website or app. If you have a fire plan, you should update it to reflect the new changes.