Fire Danger Ratings have changed

The way we determine and communicate Fire Danger Ratings has changed.

A new national 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 Australia so whether you’re at home or travelling, you will see the same system being used.

Community feedback was used in the design process to help it make it easier to understand and to provide you with clearer advice about how to stay safe.

The new Fire Danger Ratings

Graphic showing the four ratings of fire danger

There are four levels of fire danger in the new system:

  • Moderate - Plan and prepare
  • High - Be ready to act
  • Extreme - Take action now to protect your life and property
  • Catastrophic - For your survival, leave bushfire risk areas

Fire Danger Ratings will be issued on days when there is a fire risk.

Each fire danger will have a clear set of messages including the actions the community can take to reduce their risk.

What are Fire Danger Ratings?

Fire Danger Ratings provide information so people in affected areas can take action to protect themselves and others. The higher the fire danger, the more dangerous the conditions and the greater the impact will be if a fire starts.

What’s changed?

The new Fire Danger Rating system has four levels (instead of six); Moderate, High, Extreme and Catastrophic.

There’ll be actions for each level, so you’ll know what to do to protect your life, family and property.

You’ll start seeing the new fire danger ratings online and in your local community from September 2022.

Fire Danger Rating roadside signs

Roadside signs will start to be replaced and updated from 1 September 2022. 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. 

Find out more

Check out the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities (AFAC) website (External link) and FAQs, or Prepare and Get Ready - VicEmergency (External link)

You’ll be able to check the daily fire danger for your area on the CFA website (External link).

You can also use the VicEmergency smartphone app to check the fire danger for your area.