Australian Fire Danger Rating System
What is the Australian Fire Danger Rating System?
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.
What are fire danger ratings?
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.
Why has the system changed?
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.
How will the system change?
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.
Will the fire danger rating signs be changed?
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.
How is the new system better?
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.
The previous system took in two fuel types across the country (grass and forest). The new system takes in eight, so that better science that informs the ratings can more accurately represent the Australian landscape. The eight fuel types are grass, forest, Mallee heath, non-combustible, pine, shrubland, spinifex and savanna.
When will the system change?
The Australian Fire Danger Ratings System will launch on 1 September 2022. The new system will be the same in every Australian state and territory so no matter if Australians are travelling or at home, they will always see the same signs.
What are the new levels?
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