Understanding fire danger ratings and emergency warning systems is vital for staying safe during Australia's fire season. The Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS) and Australian Warning System (AWS) provide consistent, easy-to-understand information to help you assess risks and take appropriate actions.
Australian Fire Danger Rating System
The AFDRS uses nationally consistent colours, signs and terminology to communicate fire danger in the same way, no matter where you are in the country.
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.
The AFDRS levels are No Rating, Moderate, High, Extreme and Catastrophic. The higher the rating, the more dangerous the conditions and the greater the consequences if a fire starts.
There is a Fire Danger Rating in the footer of our website (scroll to the bottom of the page).
No Rating (white)On days when there is minimal risk, remain alert and abide by local seasonal laws and regulations.
Moderate (green)Plan and prepare. Most fires can be controlled.
High (yellow)Be ready to act. Fires can be dangerous.
Extreme (orange)Take action now to protect your life and property. Fires will spread quickly and be extremely dangerous.
Catastrophic (red)For your survival, leave bushfire risk areas. If a fire starts and takes hold, lives are likely to be lost.
Australian Warning System
In July 2024, WA adopted the Australian Warning System (AWS) for bushfire, cyclone, flood and storm warnings.
Much like the AFDRS outlined above, the AWS is a national approach to information and warnings during emergencies. It uses a nationally consistent set of levels, colours and icons, supported by a clear and concise action statement, so warnings are easy to understand.
What is a warning?
A warning provides point-in-time information about a hazard that is impacting or is expected to impact communities. It describes the impact and expected consequences for communities and includes advice on what people should do.
What are the warning levels and calls to action?