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).

Image of house with direct high flame contact on side and at rear

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.

Image of house with tree in front and flames approaching

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.

Image of tree and grass at base on fire and embers - leaves, sticks and bark - flying to wards house

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