The Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDR)

Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDR)

On 1 September 2022, a new Fire Danger Rating system was introduced as part of a national project to ensure fire danger ratings are communicated the same way, no matter where you are in Australia. Fire Danger Ratings tell us how dangerous a bushfire could be if one started, based on factors like the weather and the types of vegetation in the area and what to do.

Why did the system change? 

The existing system was based on science over 60 years old and only covered a third of Australia's vegetation types. More accurate modelling means more locally accurate predictions.

Example image of the Australian fire danger rating. 1. Moderate - plan and prepare, 2. high - be ready to act, 3. extreme - take action now and 4. catastrophic - leave bushfire risk areas. For your local fire danger rating and more information visit emergency.wa.gov.au website

What changed?

The new Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS) is much simpler and more action orientated, so you know exactly what you should do to help protect yourself and others from bushfire. It is also a more locally relevant system that is consistent throughout Australia.

What are the new AFDRS levels?

There are now four simple AFDRS levels:

  1. Moderate – plan and prepare
    • Most fires can be controlled
    • Check your bushfire plan
  2. High – be ready to act
    • Fires can be dangerous
    • Decide what you will do if a fire starts. Review your bushfire plan
  3. Extreme – take action now to protect your life and property
    • Fires will spread quickly and be extremely dangerous
    • Put your bushfire plan into action. If a fire starts, take immediate action. If you and your property are not prepared to the highest level, plan to leave early
  4. Catastrophic – for your survival, leave bushfire risk areas
    • If a fire starts and takes hold, lives are likely to be lost
    • It may be too late to make a bushfire plan. Prepare your emergency kits and choose where you will go and the different ways to get there. Stay safe by going to a safer location early in the morning or the night before.

There is also a new ‘no rating’ for days where no proactive action is required.

Emergency contacts and staying up-to-date

Please view the City’s information on emergency contacts for information on who to call during an emergency. If it is a life threatening emergency please call - 000. ABC Radio (720AM) broadcasts up-to-date information on bushfire and other emergencies. For bushfire warnings visit Emergency WA.

More information

Find out more about the new Fire Danger Rating system.  For bushfire warnings visit Emergency WA. For more information on how to prepare for a bushfire visit DFES website. To create or review your bushfire plan go to My Bushfire Plan website or download the app. For tailored advice and further information, please call the City’s Fire and Emergency Management Team on 08 9411 3444 or email [email protected].

Contact

Address

City of Cockburn
Whadjuk Boodja
9 Coleville Crescent,
Spearwood 6163

PO Box 1215, Bibra Lake DC,
Western Australia, 6965

Office opening hours:
8.30am to 4.30pm
Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)

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Cockburn Nyungar moort Beeliar boodja-k kaadadjiny. Koora, yeyi, benang baalap nidja boodja-k kaaradjiny.
Ngalak kaditj boodjar kep wer kaadidjiny kalyakool yoodaniny, wer koora wer yeyi ngalak Birdiya koota-djinanginy.

City of Cockburn acknowledges the Nyungar people of Beeliar boodja. Long ago, now and in the future they care for Country.
We acknowledge a continuing connection to land, waters and culture and pay our respects to the Elders, past and present.