The Fire Danger Rating system has now changed to a new Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS) backed up by a new Fire Behaviour Index (FBI).
The change sees ratings decrease from six to four, and will be displayed in a uniform format on roadside signage across the nation.
Each rating will have action-oriented messages to encourage people to take action to protect themselves and others in the face of bushfire risks.
The new ratings and action oriented messages
Moderate: Plan and prepare
High: Be ready to act
Extreme: Take action now to protect life and property
Catastrophic: For your survival, leave bushfire risk areas.
There will also be no rating level for days where no action is required.
Under the new Fire Danger Rating System, the new high rating will be equivalent to the current very high rating which will mean changes will be made in relation to days you can or cannot burn.
Total Fire Bans and Bells Rapids
Public access to Bells Rapids is assessed on a regular basis during the summer to align with Fire Danger Ratings.
On days when the rating is extreme or catastrophic, the lake will be closed to the public.
Harvest and Vehicle Movement Bans
The issuing of Harvest and Vehicle Movement Bans will remain the same until changes to legislation and a new grassland model and Fire Behaviour Index and Fire Danger Rating is determined.
The new ratings will also change how Fire Danger Ratings are referenced within the Bush Fires Act 1954, Bush Fires Regulations 1954 and Bush Fires (Infringements) Regulations 1978.
Fire Weather District
Along with the change to ratings, the City of Swan now falls across two fire weather districts: Swan Coastal North and Swan Inland North. Great Northern Highway and Roe Highway is the main east-west boundary between the two districts.
