The Fire Danger Rating tell you how dangerous a fire would be if one started. It helps you to know when conditions are dangerous enough to put your bushfire survival plan in to action. Ratings are forecast using Bureau of Meteorology data for up to four days in advance, based on weather and other environmental conditions such as fuel load. The rating is your prompt to take action to stay safe.
What do the ratings mean and what should you do
CODE RED
What does it mean
These are the worst conditions for a bush or grass fire.
Homes are not designed or constructed to withstand fires in these conditions
The safest place to be is away from high risk bushfire areas
What should I do
Leaving high risk bushfire areas the night before or early in the day is your safest option – do not wait and see, avoid forested areas, thick bush or long, dry grass
Know your trigger – make a decision about:
when you will leave
where you will go
how you will get there
when you will return
what will you do if you cannot leave
EXTREME
What does it mean
Expect extremely hot, dry and windy conditions.
If a fire starts and takes hold, it will be uncontrollable, unpredictable and fast moving. Spot fires will start, move quickly and come from many directions.
Homes that are situated and constructed or modified to withstand a bushfire, that are well prepared and actively defended, may provide safety.
You must be physically and mentally prepared to defend in these conditions.
What should I do
Consider staying with your property only if you are prepared to the highest level. This means your home needs to be situated and constructed or modified to withstand a bushfire
you are well prepared and you can actively defend your home if a fire starts
If you are not prepared to the highest level, leaving high risk bushfire areas early in the day is your safest option
Be aware of local conditions and seek information by listening to your emergency broadcasters, or go to cfa.vic.gov.au or call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226
SEVERE
What does it mean
Expect hot, dry and possibly windy conditions.
If a fire starts and takes hold, it may be uncontrollable.
Well prepared homes that are actively defended can provide safety.
You must be physically and mentally prepared to defend in these conditions.
What should I do
Well prepared homes that are actively defended can provide safety – check your bushfire survival plan.
If you are not prepared, leaving bushfire prone areas early in the day is your safest option.
Be aware of local conditions and seek information by listening to your emergency broadcasters, go to cfa.vic.gov.au or call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.
Very High/High/Low-Moderate
What does it mean
If a fire starts, it can most likely be controlled in these conditions and homes can provide safety.
Be aware of how fires can start and minimise the risk.
Controlled burning off may occur in these conditions if it is safe – check to see if permits apply.
What should I do
Check your bushfire survival plan.
Monitor conditions.
Action may be needed.
Leave if necessary.
What to do if you hear a warning
Stay calm. Stop what you are doing and pay attention.
If you don’t understand the warning, get someone to explain by asking neighbours or friends.
Follow the advice of warnings immediately. People die or are put in danger because they don’t respond right away.
Keep in contact with family members. Make sure they know what is happening and what you plan to do.
Stay informed. Keep listening for more information in case the situation changes.
FIRE DANGER RATINGS
(Video courtesy of Vic Emergency)
The Fire Danger Rating tell you how dangerous a fire would be if one started. It helps you to know when conditions are dangerous enough to put your bushfire survival plan in to action. Ratings are forecast using Bureau of Meteorology data for up to four days in advance, based on weather and other environmental conditions such as fuel load. The rating is your prompt to take action to stay safe.
What do the ratings mean and what should you do
CODE RED
What does it mean
What should I do
Leaving high risk bushfire areas the night before or early in the day is your safest option – do not wait and see, avoid forested areas, thick bush or long, dry grass
EXTREME
What does it mean
What should I do
SEVERE
What does it mean
What should I do
Very High/High/Low-Moderate
What does it mean
What should I do
What to do if you hear a warning
Download a Copy of CFA’s
Fire Danger Rating Brochure Here
Other Resources
Parks and forest closures on Code Red Days
School closures on Code Red days (DEECD website)
Information on this page has been sourced form the Vic Emergency and Country Fire Authority Websites further info and resources can be found there.