New national Fire Danger Rating System from 1 September

Published on 31 August 2022

Macedon Ranges Shire Council is encouraging residents to familiarise themselves with the new Fire Danger Rating system that comes into effect Australia-wide on 1 September. Please visit the Country Fire Authority (CFA) website and update your fire plans to reflect these new ratings.

Developed by AFAC (Australian and New Zealand National Council for fire and emergency services) and led by Emergency Management Victoria (EMV) and the CFA, Council will be raising awareness of these changes in the lead up to and throughout the summer fire season.

The new national Fire Danger Rating System has been developed using the latest science to be more accurate and relevant to where we each live. The same system will be used across Australia for consistency regardless of whether you’re at home or travelling.

Community feedback was used throughout the design process to ensure it would be easy to understand and the advice provided on how to stay safe was clear.

The new Fire Danger Rating system has four levels (instead of six):

Fire Danger Ratings will be issued on days when there is a fire risk. Each fire danger rating has a clear set of messages including the actions the community can take to reduce their risk.

Roadside signs will be updated from 1 September. The look and feel of the new signs will be the same in all states and territories across Australia. Prioritisation in Victoria will be given to those communities most at risk.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council Mayor, Cr Jennifer Anderson encouraged residents to familiarise themselves with the new Fire Danger Rating System and update their fire plans accordingly.

“The Macedon Ranges is one of the most fire prone areas of Victoria, and Australia, and so being fire- ready is an essential part of living here. It is everyone’s responsibility to get to know the new Fire Danger Rating System and take steps to plan and prepare.”

“The new Fire Danger Ratings are designed to make it easier for residents and visitors to understand the level of fire danger on any given day and when to take action,” said Mayor Anderson.

If you have any questions about the new Fire Danger Rating System, contact your local CFA brigade.