Australian fire danger ratings explained

The Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS) gives you an idea of how dangerous a fire could be if one starts in your area.

The AFDRS is the same wherever you are in Australia, and it can help you understand how dangerous the weather conditions are, the level of threat to your safety and what you need to do to stay safe.

Four fire danger rating levels are used across Australia:

Moderate: Plan and prepare — You should stay up to date and be ready to act if there is a fire.
High: Prepare to act — There is a heightened risk of fires in your area. Decide what you will do if one starts.
Extreme: Take action now to protect your life and property — Fires will spread quickly and be extremely dangerous. Check your bushfire plan and make sure you and your property are ready. Reconsider travel through bushfire risk areas.
Catastrophic: For your survival, leave bushfire risk areas — If a fire starts and takes hold, lives are likely to be lost. Stay safe by going to a safer place early in the morning or the night before.

When the fire danger rating is high, extreme or catastrophic, you will hear warnings broadcast on the radio and TV and see information in newspapers.

You can also find fire danger information on roadside signs, social media, emergency apps or websites.

If you see or hear fire danger information, visit your state or territory fire and emergency services website and find out what you should do.

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