Fire Danger Rating Information

The fire danger rating is used to tell you the potential for a fire on any given day. This rating is shown on the colour-coded Fire Danger Meters, commonly seen along roadsides in rural areas.

The ratings are:-    Nil     Low     Moderate     High     Very High     Extreme

What are the bushfire danger levels?

Nil
There is a very unlikely risk of a fire starting. Permits are still required for the use of fire within the Bushfire Danger Period.

Low
Green: A minimal risk of a fire starting exists. ACT Rural Fire Service crews are on low alert. Permits are still required for the use of fire within the Bushfire Danger Period.

Moderate  
Blue: A moderate risk of a fire starting exists. ACT Rural Fire Service crews are on moderate alert. Permits are required for the use of fire within the Bushfire Danger Period.

High
Yellow: A high risk of a fire starting exists. ACT Rural Fire Service and ACT Fire Brigade crews are on high alert. Permits are required for the use of fire within the Bushfire Danger Period.

At high danger level all residents should take extreme care with the use of fire, after gaining a permit.

Very high
Orange: A very high risk of a fire starting and spreading rapidly exists. ACT Rural Fire Service and ACT Fire Brigade crews are on very high alert.

Permits are required for the use of fire within the Bushfire Danger Period.

At a very high danger level all residents should take extreme care with the use of fire, after gaining a permit. Activities such as lawn mowing, power tool use and other possible ignition-causing events should be undertaken with extreme care.

Residents utilising national parks should ensure they have plans to exit at short notice.

Extreme
Red: An extreme risk of a fire starting and spreading rapidly exists. ACT Rural Fire Service and ACT Fire Brigade crews are on the highest alert. An extreme bushfire danger day will normally result in a Total Fire Ban.

Permits are required for the use of fire within the Bushfire Danger Period however will be cancelled in the event of a total fire ban.

At the extreme danger level all residents should take extreme care in all activities that may result in fire. Activities such as lawn mowing, power tool use and other possible ignition-causing events should be undertaken with extreme care.

National parks, reserves and forests will normally be closed to the public in the event of a Total Fire Ban.
 
What is the Bushfire Danger Period?

The bushfire danger period is normally from the 1st of October to 31st of March each year. It may however be brought forward or extended due to local conditions.

During the declared bushfire danger period no member of the public or landholder may light a fire in the open, burn off, or use a campfire / bonfire without a written permit from the ACT Rural Fire Service or the ACT Fire Brigade.

To gain a permit contact the ESA on (02) 6207 8333.