- WA participating in national review of Australian Fire Danger Rating System
- Review will allow for required improvements to be made prior to next southern fire season
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) is currently conducting a post fire season review of the Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS), exploring the benefits, challenges and opportunities to improve the implementation of the new system across Western Australia.
Each State will conduct its own review which will be led at a national level by the Australasian Fire Authorities Council.
The AFDRS was implemented in all States and Territories to better inform communities about bushfire risks, replacing a system that had been in place since the 1960s.
The AFDRS uses improvements in science and forecasting to deliver localised and more accurate information, enhancing the reliability of fire danger forecasts.
An important feature of the new system is the ability to refine, update and constantly improve its application and functionality as new science and evidence becomes available.
Since the release of the new system, DFES has closely monitored system performance and accuracy through the collection of evidence, case studies and consultation with key stakeholders across emergency services and the agricultural industry. This has included working closely with the national project team and the Bureau of Meteorology to update fuel data inputs and fire behaviour model parameters, resulting in improved forecasting in several areas across the State.
While the national review will inform improvements required nationally, DFES will also undertake their own review to identify required changes to State-level operational decision-making, regulatory triggers and community education.
DFES are currently undertaking research targeted at key stakeholders and communities across WA to understand and measure awareness of the new system and capture suggested improvements to inform the review.
Information about the new AFDRS can be found on the DFES website at www.dfes.wa.gov.au. Queries and feedback can be submitted to [email protected].
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The Australian Fire Danger Rating System changed the way we communicate bushfire risk with Western Australians.
"One of the benefits of the AFDRS is its ability to refine, update and improve the application and functionality of science in relation to fire danger forecasts.
"This review will help us to improve bushfire management in Western Australia and allow changes to be implemented prior to the next southern fire season if necessary."
