We know what fire can do. So we've used our knowledge to create a new, nationally consistent Fire Danger Rating System. It's now simpler, clearer, and it could save your life.
The new Fire Danger Rating System has four levels. Each level tells you how dangerous a bushfire could be if one starts and comes with clear actions to take. The higher the Fire Danger Rating, the more severe the bushfire could be.
Fire Danger Ratings are important when deciding on your trigger to leave in your bushfire plan.
Click on the ratings below to find out what you should do.
Don’t leave it too late to make a bushfire plan. Get prepared for bushfire season and create or update your plan now.
Fire Danger Ratings are important because they provide people with information so they can take action to protect themselves and others from the potentially dangerous impacts of bushfires. Ratings are calculated using a combination of weather forecasting and information about vegetation that could fuel a fire. They do not indicate the chance of a fire occurring, although this is a common misconception.
Stay prepared by checking your local Fire Danger Rating daily at emergency.wa.gov.au.
The previous Fire Danger Rating System was based on science that was more than 60 years old, not updatable and only designed for a limited number of vegetation types representing a third of the Australian continent.
The new system uses the latest scientific understanding about weather, fuel and how fire behaves in different types of vegetation to improve the reliability of fire danger forecasts.
It utilises eight standard fire behaviour models, rather than the previous two models of forest and grass, with modifications to account for 22 fuel types.
This strengthens the ability of those working in emergency services to be better prepared, make informed decisions and provide accurate advice to the community.
The new system is also nationally consistent so no matter where you live or travel in Australia, you will know what to do to stay prepared for a bushfire.
As part of the new system development, social research was undertaken with community focus groups across the country.
Feedback from this research recommended that there be fewer Fire Danger Ratings, that logical colours and simple words be used and that each rating have action-orientated messages.
This feedback informed the four new Fire Danger Ratings which provide clear advice on what action communities need to take at each level.
Dangerous bushfires can start at any time. Knowing the Fire Danger Ratings helps you to understand your risks and plan what you’ll do to keep your home and family safe. Stay prepared by creating or updating your bushfire plan.
Create or review your plan
