New Australian Fire Danger Ratings from 1 September
New Australian Fire Danger Ratings
The new Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS) is your simplified survival tool. It’s important for people in the Adelaide Hills to understand these changes and to be prepared for bushfire season.
The daily forecast predicts how dangerous a bushfire would be if it broke out, and what you need to do to stay safe on Moderate, High, Extreme and Catastrophic days.
| FIRE DANGER RATING | WHAT DOES IT MEAN | WHAT SHOULD I DO? |
|---|---|---|
| MODERATE | Most fires can be controlled | Plan and prepare |
| HIGH | Fires can be dangerous | Be ready to act |
| EXTREME | Fires will spread quickly and be extremely dangerous | Take action now to protect your life and property |
| CATASTROPHIC | If a fire starts and takes hold, lives are likely to be lost | For your survival, leave bushfire risk area |
A ‘no rating’ has also been introduced for days where no proactive action is required by a community. On these days fires can still happen, but are less likely to move or act in a way that threatens the safety of your community.
Moving to a simpler system is backed by science and more accurately predicts risk, to make it easier for the community to make decisions and stay safe.
Across the country there is nationally consistent colours and terminology. This means that individuals anywhere in Australia, and whatever the season or fuels, will have an understand the level of threat and what they need to do to stay safe.
It's important that residents and visitors to the Adelaide Hill are familiar with the new rating system and have an up to date bushfire plan.