Types of fires

4 min read

Bushfires and grassfires are common throughout Victoria. They can burn in thick bushland and forests, rural grasslands, the coast and urban bushland areas. In this section, you will learn how the shape of the land and the types of trees, plants and grasses in an area affect the fires which happen there. Even if you don't live in a high risk area, many Victorians travel through bushland areas over the summer months. Learn how to lower the chance of getting caught in a fire where you live or travel.

Summary

Forest fires and bushfires are extremely hot and intense—tall, flammable trees and thick undergrowth create a very high fire risk.
If you live in or next to the bush or forest you live in one of the highest fire risk locations in Australia. Make sure you have a plan.
Grassfires can be extremely hot, fast moving and dangerous. They can start in urban or rural areas and produce huge amounts of radiant heat.
Coastal fires can be extremely hot and fast moving due to strong winds and highly flammable vegetation. Being close to the beach doesn't make you 'safe'.
Residential areas in the city or country are at risk of fire if there is bushland, parklands, forest or grasslands nearby.

Know your fire risk

Bushfires and grassfires are very common in Australia. Victoria is one of the most likely places in the world for fires to start and spread across the landscape. This is due to the naturally flammable vegetation across the state and our hot, dry, windy weather. In Summer, Victoria is exposed to hot, dry desert winds from central Australia. These winds dry out the landscape and can spread fire long distances, making it hard to get under control.

Many people live in or visit high fire risk areas. You might be one of them. Perhaps you live next to the forest, or behind a reserve. Or perhaps you travel through these areas or stop there without realising the risk.

Suburban areas next to grasslands

Looking over the roofs of houses in a suburban street onto a grassy hill with cows grazing.

If you live in the suburbs, you can still be affected by fire. Grassfires can start and spread quickly, destroying homes and lives.

Learn about urban grassfires

Country areas surrounded by grasslands

Rural scene with a grass fringed pond in the foreground. Rolling hills covered in dry grass are in the background with gum trees dotting the landscape.

Where there is dry, brown, crunchy grass, there is a high risk of grassfires. Hot engines and equipment can start a grass fire in seconds.

Learn about rural grassfires

The bush or forest

Houses nestled on the lower slope of a forested hillside on the edge of a rural town or suburb.

Forest fires and bushfires are extremely hot and intense, and can lead to devastating loss of life and property. The highest risk areas are within 150 metres of bushland or forest. Roads can become blocked by fallen trees, traffic, fire trucks or fire.

Learn about forest fires and bushfires

Coastal areas

Looking over a sandy beach into the sun with sand dunes covered in coastal vegetation like heath and wind swept grasses on the right.

Coastal fires can be extremely hot and fast moving due to strong winds and highly flammable vegetation. Fires will often burn in the scrub between the beach and the road.

Learn about fires in coastal areas

Residential areas surrounded by lots of trees

Aerial view of a heavily populated suburb directly next to urban bushland between the houses and a river.

Fires can start in bush, trees or grass and spread quickly to homes, reserves, parks and private gardens on hot, windy days.

Learn about fires in urban bushland

Page last updated: Monday, 5 October 2026 2:56:22 PM