Australian Fire Danger Rating System
From 1 September 2022, a new Australian Fire Danger Rating System will be used across the country, including NSW.
Using the latest science, fire agencies like the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) will be able to better assess the conditions and the consequences of a fire, if one was to start.
New fire danger ratings
The new fire danger ratings have 4 levels instead of 6:
- Moderate
- High
- Extreme
- Catastrophic.
When there is minimal risk, such as when it's raining, 'No Rating' will be used.
The new ratings and what you need to do
Moderate
Plan and prepare
- Stay up to date and be ready to act if there is a fire.
High
Be ready to act
- There’s a heightened risk. Be alert for fires in your area.
- Decide what you will do if a fire starts.
- If a fire starts, your life and property may be at risk. The safest option is to avoid bush fire risk areas.
Extreme
Take action now to protect your life and property
- These are dangerous fire conditions.
- Check your bush fire plan and ensure that your property is fire ready.
- If a fire starts, take immediate action. If you and your property are not prepared to the highest level, go to a safer location well before the fire impacts.
- Reconsider travel through bush fire risk areas.
Catastrophic
For your survival leave bush fire risk areas
- These are the most dangerous conditions for a fire.
- Your life may depend on the decisions you make, even before there is a fire.
- Stay safe by going to a safer location early in the morning or the night before.
- Homes cannot withstand fires in these conditions.
- You may not be able to leave, and help may not be available.
Daily fire rating
You can find the daily fire rating in your local area by:
- visiting the NSW RFS website
- listening to your local news
- checking the Hazards Near Me NSW app
- calling the Bush Fire information line on 1800 679 737.
