Flame contact from fire front
Characteristics of flame contact from fire front:
- Occurs from the hazard in close proximity to a building (150 metres).
- Direct flame contact from a fire front where vegetation is in a mostly natural state (such as in national parks).
- Occurs when a building is in close proximity to the vegetation.
- May arise in lower risk areas (such as from a local park) or in higher risk areas (larger vegetated areas such as forests and coastal reserves).
Key consideration for planning decision making:
Bushfire planning provisions provide for the separation of a proposal from bushfire hazards to avoid flame contact from a fire front. Any proposal that would result in flame contact from a fire front will need to be carefully considered. Flame contact from a fire front is an indication that a location may be too dangerous to develop and that a proposal should not proceed.
Radiant heat
Characteristics of radiant heat:
- Occurs from the hazard in close proximity to a building (up to 150 metres).
- The heat you can feel from a fire.
- Can ignite surfaces without flame contact or ember attack.
- Dries out vegetation ahead of a bushfire so that it burns more readily.
Key consideration for planning decision making:
Bushfire planning provisions provide for the separation of a proposal from bushfire hazards to minimise radiant heat on buildings. The level of radiant heat permitted will depend on the use proposed and what planning scheme provisions the decision relates to.
Higher levels of radiant heat need to be avoided. Excessive levels of radiant heat are an indication a location may be too dangerous to develop and that a proposal should not proceed.
Ember attack
Characteristics of an ember attack:
- May occur from the hazard in very close proximity to a building (nearby trees, neighbouring houses).
- May occur from fire behaviour in the surrounding landscape.
- Most common way houses catch fire during a bushfire.
- Occurs when small burning twigs, leaves and bark are carried by wind, landing in and around a building.
- Can happen before, during and after a bushfire.
Key consideration for planning decision making
Development in the Bushfire Management Overlay and bushfire prone area are required to be constructed to a minimum construction standard of Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) 12.5. The BAL provides for a basic level of ember protection.
Where ember attack is at higher levels, a greater construction standard may be necessary. This may apply to areas subject to extreme fire behaviour.
Page last updated: 25/01/22