Media kit

AFDRS Website Banner 2

Narrative

Living in a bushfire risk area means danger is on your doorstep.

From 1 September 2022, Australia's Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS) will be improved and simplified to make it easier for you to make decisions to stay safe on days of high fire danger.

The move to a simpler system is backed by improvements in science, which will mean we can better predict areas of greater risk on days of fire danger. The system is also being implemented across Australia, meaning wherever you are, you’ll be able to understand the level of threat and what you need to do to keep you and your family safe.

It’s important to take the time to understand the new system and update your 5 Minute Bushfire Plan to include the rating that will be your trigger to help you decide that it is time to leave bushfire risk areas.

The new Australian Fire Danger Rating System. Learn to live by it.

Key messages

  • The Australian Fire Danger Rating System uses the latest technology and research to provide a more accurate and detailed prediction of fire behaviour and potential threat to the community.
  • The system has four levels - moderate, high, extreme and catastrophic - and has been simplified from previous ratings used in South Australia.
  • The AFDRS introduces 'no rating' for days where no proactive action is required by a community. This does not mean that fires cannot happen, but that any fires that start are less likely to move or act in a way that threatens the safety of the community.
  • The new design was informed by one of Australia’s largest surveys of the community together with extensive focus groups, which showed that a majority of Australians did not understand the previous fire danger rating system. The recommendation was that there be less fire danger rating levels, that more logical colours be used for each level, that simple words be used to describe each level, and that each level come with action-orientated messages.
  • The system will produce more accurate predictions of risk based on the various vegetation types in different areas of the state.
  • The system will be consistent in every state and territory in Australia.
  • The AFDRS is designed to be continuously updatable so that the system can take advantage of improving science, data, and information into the future.
  • Because the AFDRS makes better fire danger predictions, the government, community and industry can have greater confidence in the information and advice provided.