The Fire Danger Rating predicts how a fire would behave if one started, including how difficult it would be to put out.
The higher the rating, the more dangerous the conditions.
The rating is your trigger to act, so to stay safe you need to know the Fire Danger Rating in the district where you live or travel.
Fire Danger Ratings are forecast by the Bureau of Meteorology during the fire season. They are based on weather and other environmental conditions and forecast up to four days in advance.
During the fire season, the Fire Danger Rating will feature in weather forecasts and be broadcast on radio and TV and appear in some newspapers.
Code Red Days
Days of Code Red fire risk have the worst conditions for a bush or grass fire. Homes are not designed or constructed to withstand fires in these conditions.
On a Code Red day the safest place to be is away from high risk bushfire areas.
- Leaving a high risk area the night before a Code Red day occurs, or early in the day, is the safest option
- All schools in high risk areas will have a plan they following for Code Red days, Contact your school for details
- Parks and forests in areas with a declared Code Red are closed for public safety. Visit DSE for information on park and forest closures.
Code Red days are rare. When they are forecast they are very serious.
You should also have a plan for days of Extreme and Severe fire risk
These days can also be very dangerous. Only consider staying with your property on Extreme and Severe days if you are fully prepared – the safest option is to leave high risk bushfire areas early on these days.
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What does it mean? |
What should I do? |
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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 |
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
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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.
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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, go to cfa.vic.gov.au or call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667 |
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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. |
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 Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667. |
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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. |
Check your bushfire survival plan.
Monitor conditions.
Action may be needed.
Leave if necessary. |
