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Fire danger rating
| View Fire Danger Ratings (CFA website) |
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| 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 stay aware of the Fire Danger Rating in your district. 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. Fire Danger Ratings can also be found on the CFA home page and on the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) websites or by calling the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667. |
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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.
Fire Danger Ratings are forecast during a fire season based on weather and other environmental conditions and are provided for the following four days. A Code Red day is called one day beforehand.
Public schools must have a plan for Code Red days, which may involve closures.
Parks and forests in areas with a declared Code Red are closed for public safety.
What do the ratings mean and what should you do?
| Rating | 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:
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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. |
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 (see the CFA website for further information). 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;
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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;
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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. |
Fire Danger Rating Brochure
[PDF File - 75.4 KB]
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Away from home - checklist
Find out what bushfire safety plans are in place in the area/s where you are camping, caravanning or renting accommodation.
Know the most up-to-date Fire Danger Rating in the area where you are staying in or travelling through, for holiday or work;
- tune in to ABC Local Radio, commercial radio or SKY NEWS.
- call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667
Find the nearest Neighbourhood Safer Place when you are staying in a high risk bushfire area.
Know alternative routes to leave your destination.
Plan activities carefully on hot, dry and windy days. Contact Visitor Information Centres for safe tourist activities and locations.
Pack your own travel relocation kit and have it accessible at all times. Contents should include protective clothing such as long-sleeved cotton tops, pants, sturdy shoes, hats, drinking water and woollen blankets.
Emergency Contacts
In a Emergency Dial 000You must dial triple zero (000) in an emergency if you require the Fire Brigade, Police or Ambulance.
Current incidents and fire restrictions
For information about current incidents and fire restriction details see: Fires & Incident Warnings & Advice at www.depi.vic.gov.au or www.cfa.vic.gov.au
Or contact the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.
Park and Forest closures on Code Red days
Parks and forests in areas with a declared Code Red are closed for public safety.
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