Media Release
Northern Territory Government
Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security Simplified Fire Danger Rating System rolls out
1 September 2022
The new Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS) comes into effect from today, simplifying and streamlining the way fire danger is communicated to the public.
The new AFDRS has been developed using the latest science to be more accurate and relevant to where you live. The new system will be used across the country, so whether you're at home or traveling, you will see the same colours, signs and fire danger ratings being used.
Fire danger ratings describe the potential level of danger should a bushfire start and provide the community with information so they can take action to protect themselves and others from the potentially dangerous impacts of fires.
From today, 4 levels of fire danger ratings will be used instead of 6 with simple actions for the community to take at each level.
Fire danger ratings are used to communicate the consequences of a fire, if one was to start. On days when there is minimal risk, 'No Rating' will be used.
The AFDRS calculates fire danger at a finer geographic scale than ever before so more relevant and specific information can be provided.
Significant cost savings are expected due to improved fire danger information leading to better decisions and more appropriate and timely action.
It will also improve cross-border operations and support sharing of firefighting resources. It aims to improve public safety and reduce the impacts of bushfires by:
· Improving the scientific accuracy behind fire danger predictions
· Improving the way that that fire is communicated
· Providing government and industry with better decision-making tools
· Implementing a new national consistent fire danger rating system.
The first set of signs have been installed at the Berry Springs Volunteer Bushfire Brigade shed with the rest to be rolled out over the coming months.
