In Australia we use formulas and ratings to help us determine the "fire danger" level at any particular time. This information can be intense and confusing if it is not something you look at all the time. Weather and fire authorities have created systems to help the general public understand, on a basic level, what the overall consensus for fire danger may be on a particular day using rating systems as outlined below:
What is the Fire Danger Index (FDI) and what does it means?
The FDI, shortened from forest fire danger index (FFDI), originally developed by CSIRO's A.G. McAurthor, is a standard formula used by the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) to determine what is likely to happen on a particular day if a fire was to start. The formula uses factors such as air temperature, humidity, windspeed and vegetation conditions. The higher the FDI, the higher the risk a fire will become a major bushfire if started. The actual FDI number is not generally posted for the general public, but the index is mentioned so we felt it was important to briefly touch on it so you have some understanding.
What is the Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS)?
Like the FDI, the AFDRS rating is NOT an indication of the likelihood of a fire starting, it looks at the likely consequences if a fire were to start.
This rating system is used nation wide so it doesn't matter if you are at home or interstate, the ratings and terminology are the same.
There are 5 levels for the system:
- No rating: This level is white. It means there is minimal fire danger today and no action is required
- Moderate: This level is green and is labelled as "Plan and prepare" In this level they predict that most fires can be controlled if they start
- High: This level is yellow and is labelled as "Be ready to act" In this level they predict that fires can be dangerous if they start
- Extreme: This level is orange and is labelled as "Take Action now to protect your life and property" In this level they predict that fires can spread quickly and be extremely dangerous
- Catastrophic: This level is red and is labelled as "For your survival, leave bushfire risk areas" In this level they predict that fires take hold lives are at risk
The rating is posted each afternoon in fire danger season to inform the general public about the fire danger for the following day in each local government area. The rating is posted by your state's emergency fire service and can be found in various locations such as social media, on roadsides (especially out the front of a fire station), in alert apps and on your state emergency fire service's website.
