Fire Danger and Bush Fire Impact
Bush fire behaviour and its potential impact on you are affected by the weather conditions, fuel loads and drought. The Fire Danger Ratings are an early warning of the potential danger of a bush fire. It is vital that you understand that on days of catastrophic or extreme Fire Danger, your survival will depend on how well you have prepared and how decisively you act.
On a day of Catastrophic fire danger rating leaving early is the ONLY option for your survival – regardless of any plan to stay and defend. You must leave for a safer place well before a fire threatens your home.
On days of extreme fire danger rating leaving early is always the safest option. Staying and defending can only be considered for homes that,
- have been designed and constructed specifically to address the threat of bush fire
- have been maintained to those levels
- are currently well prepared
- and can be actively defended by people with the skills, knowledge and confidence to enact a well rehearsed plan.
On days of catastrophic fire danger rating fires will be uncontrollable, unpredictable and very fast moving with highly aggressive flames extending high above tree tops and buildings. They can threaten suddenly and without warning. It will be incredibly hot and windy and difficult to see, hear or breathe. Expect power, water and phone networks to fail as severe winds bring down trees, power lines and blow roofs off buildings well ahead of the fire. Even well prepared and constructed homes will not be safe.
An approaching bush fire will affect your property over many hours. More information on the 3 stages of bush fire attack can be downloaded here.
Stage 1: as the bush fire approaches
This stage can last from 30 minutes to several hours, dependant of the speed and intensity of the fire. Some embers may start to fall around your property. The more intense the fire, the earlier the ember attack will start.
Stage 2: as the fire front impacts your property
During this period, which can last from 10 minutes to over an hour, your house will be exposed to severe ember attack, radiant heat, and the fire front itself. Wind damage may expose points for embers to enter.
Stage 3: after the fire front has passed
For several hours after the fire front has passed, your house will be exposed to ongoing ember attack and spot fires.
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