NEW Fire Danger Ratings

Fire danger ratings are being simplified from 1 September

The new Australian Fire Danger Rating System has been developed using the latest science to be more accurate and relevant to where you live. The new system will be used across the country, so whether you’re at home or traveling, you will see the same system being used.

The new Fire Danger Ratings have four levels instead of six – Moderate, High, Extreme and Catastrophic.

When there is minimal risk, such as when it’s raining, ‘No Rating’ will be used. This is the white wedge sitting under Moderate. There’ll be actions for each level, so you’ll know what to do to protect your life, family and property. You can check the daily fire danger rating on the RFS website, in the Fires Near Me NSW smartphone app, or look out for the roadside signs.

The new ratings and what you need to do:

Plan and prepare

• Stay up to date and be ready to act if there is a fire

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.

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 closing all doors and windows and deploy any Warrior FZ Bushfire Shutters if installed on your home. 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.

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.