From tomorrow, Western Australia will implement a new fire danger rating system to better inform communities across the State about bushfire risks.
Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson said the Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS) will be rolled out across all States and Territories to replace the previous fire danger rating system, which was developed in the 1960s.
The AFDRS is backed by improvements in science that delivers more localised and accurate information for communities throughout WA.
The science better considers the various types of vegetation across our landscapes and incorporates the latest understanding about weather, fuel and how fire behaves in different types of vegetation to improve the reliability and accuracy of fire danger forecasts.
The AFDRS will have four rating levels – Moderate, High, Extreme and Catastrophic – that replace the previous six.
There will be community actions advised at each level so the public understands what they need to do to protect themselves, their family and their homes.
There will also be a ‘no rating’ for days when conditions present minimal fire risk.
Roadside signs will be replaced and an extensive community engagement and education campaign is now underway.
More information on the new Australian Fire Danger Rating System is available at https://mybushfireplan.wa.gov.au/FireDangerRatings
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
“Fire danger ratings provide people with vital information that helps them take immediate action to protect themselves and others from bushfires.
“Community safety is a priority for the McGowan Government. These changes to the fire danger ratings will help emergency services to be better prepared, make improved decisions and provide better advice to support the local community.
“All States and Territories are adopting the new system, giving Australia a nationally consistent approach. This will benefit Western Australians who travel interstate during bushfire season.”
As stated by Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM:
“The new national Australian Fire Danger Rating System will significantly change how we communicate bushfire risk with Western Australians.
“The advice the community receives will be easier to understand, more localised, and the new technology and research used will greatly improve our ability to predict fire behaviour and the potential threat to communities.
“It is important that people learn and monitor the new rating system, even if you are familiar with historic weather patterns in your local area, to stay safe.”
