Look out for the new Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS), which was introduced on 1 September 2022.
The new Fire Danger Rating System will be nationally consistent and uses the latest technology and research, greatly improving the ability to accurately predict fire behaviour and the potential threat. This will help emergency services be better prepared, make improved decisions, and provide better advice to the community.
The four new AFDRS levels and messages are:
- Moderate: plan and prepare
- High: prepare to act
- Extreme: take action now to protect your life and property
- Catastrophic: for your survival, leave bush fire risk areas
Importantly, the highest level is now 'catastrophic', replacing 'code red' in Victoria, so all fire danger rating signs in Victoria are being replaced.
Fire danger ratings describe the potential level of danger if a bushfire starts, rather than the chance of a fire occurring. The higher the fire danger rating, the more dangerous the conditions are and the greater the impact will be if a fire starts.
It's important to understand the new ratings and know what your fire risk is. Council encourages everyone to use the VicEmergency website or app to monitor conditions, especially before travelling, or use the CFA website for daily fire danger ratings
