From 1 September, Fire Danger Ratings in Victoria will change in line with the Australian Fire Danger Rating System, which will be the same in every state and territory across Australia.
Fire Danger Ratings provide information so that people can take action to protect themselves and others. The higher the fire danger rating, the more dangerous the conditions, and the more difficult it will be to stop a fire if one starts.
The new system follows one of Australia’s largest community surveys which found the majority of Australians did not understand the previous Fire Danger Rating system.
Based on community feedback, the new Fire Danger Rating system uses four colour-coded levels and plain language to provide clear advice on what action communities need to take at each level.
The new system is based on enhanced technology and research that greatly improves our ability to accurately predict fire behaviour and potential threat to the community. The previous system was more than 60 years old.
Under the new system, emergency services can provide more specific advice to the community so that they also can make more informed decisions about their own safety.
As part of the changeover to the new system, all Fire Danger Rating signs across Victoria will have a sticker placed over the sign to promote the new four-rating system while emergency services work to roll out the replacements of signs.
New signs will be installed progressively across Victoria, from 1 September.
Victorians can access up-to-date Fire Danger Ratings and other emergency information on the VicEmergency website and VicEmergency app.
Quotes attributable to Emergency Management Commissioner, Andrew Crisp:
“The new fire danger rating system means that no matter where you live in Victoria or Australia, the same system will be in place. This is particularly important for our border communities and travellers.
“The new system is based on Australia’s largest piece of social research – the community told us they want a simpler system that is easier to understand with clear actions at each level and that’s what we’ve delivered in Victoria.”
Quotes attributable to Country Fire Authority Chief Officer, Jason Heffernan:
“This is a major change to the way fire danger ratings will be calculated and communicated to our Victorian communities.
“Our objective is for Victorians to better understand what actions to take at each fire danger level, and that’s why this new system will be reduced to just four simple ratings and use clear recommendations for how to protect yourself according to your bushfire risk.
“The new system will measure local fire danger using improved science and a wider range of fire behaviour models to better represent the variety of Australian vegetation.”
Quotes attributable to Forest Fire Management Victoria Chief Fire Officer, Chris Hardman:
“The new Australian Fire Danger Rating System allows us to use the latest scientific understanding about weather, fuel, and fire behaviour in different types of vegetation to inform fire danger forecasts and provide simpler communications to the public.
“What won’t change is Forest Fire Management Victoria’s and our sector partners’ commitment to protecting Victorian communities.”
Quotes attributable to Fire Rescue Victoria Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Tony O'Day:
“The introduction of the Australian Fire Danger Rating System in Victoria is a welcome change that will allow our communities to make better decisions about their own safety.
“All Victorians are encouraged to learn about the new The Australian Fire Danger Rating System and stay informed by accessing warnings and updates via the VicEmergency website or app.”
Media contact: EMV Media – 1300 287 289 or media@emv.vic.gov.au
