Fire danger ratings and alert levels

The fire danger rating is an early indicator of the potential danger should a bushfire start. Ratings range from low up to catastrophic. alert levels indicate the level of threat from a bushfire that has already started from advice to emergency warning.

When fire danger ratings or alert levels are advised, you must take them seriously. Make sure you understand what they mean, and what you need to do. Failure to act can result in death or injury to you or your family. Find out more about fire danger ratings and bushfire alert levels

Total fire bans and fire permits

During a total fire ban, you cannot light, maintain or use a fire in the open, or carry out any activity in the open that causes, or is likely to cause, a fire.

You can use gas and electric barbeques under certain conditions and exemptions may apply for other activities, including fireworks. Find out more about total fire ban rules and penalties.

During the bush fire danger period, permits are required for any type of burning activities. Fire permits are automatically suspended during total fire bans,  catastrophic or extreme fire danger ratings and no burn days declared by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). Find out more about Fire Permits.

Reporting a bushfire hazard

If you think your neighbour’s property or a reserve is a bushfire hazard you should report it to the Rural Fire Service (RFS) on 1800 679 737.

Before lodging a complaint to the RFS, make sure the suspected hazard is not included in the list below, as such areas are not usually considered a bushfire hazard:

  • Nature strips
  • Open parks that are regularly maintained
  • Smaller parks and reserves that do not connect to large bushland reserves
  • Creek lines.

Concerns about fire risk and bushfire management

  • In the event of an emergency situation for bushfires, dial 000.
  • For serious concerns relating to adjoining lands and fire, contact Council. Concerns are assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure these lands comply with managing bushfire risk and will not automatically provide any basis for removal of trees or modification to these areas outside of bushfire compliance. Council will continue to undertake site assessments and investigations relating to natural areas or bushland to determine if a next course of action is required.

For more detailed information on Council’s own emergency preparedness programs for bushfire risk management to help protect the community and its assets, visit our Bushfire Preparedness Programs page.