Staying safe while travelling

Don't get caught out

Being caught on the road during a fire can be extremely dangerous. Many people have died in or near cars during bushfires.

Avoid driving through or stopping in high risk areas on Extreme or Catastrophic fire danger days, even if a fire hasn't started yet.

A high risk area is often near the bush, forests or heathlands where there is a lot of vegetation (plants, grass and trees).

If you get caught in a fire, your car won't provide much protection from the heat or intensity of the fire. However, if you have no other option, sheltering in your car is better than being out in the open.

Make a plan before you go

Before you travel, talk with your travel companions about what you will do if there is a high fire risk or you need to change your plans. Decide what your trigger to leave will be, where you will go, and which route you will take.

Pack your emergency kit

Pack your car emergency kit for if you need to shelter in your car:

• pure wool blankets for sheltering in a car as a last resort
• P2 masks - to filter out toxic fumes. A cloth you can wet and cover your mouth with would also be suitable while under a dry blanket. Do not use a wet cloth if you're outside of a car, the heat from the fire can cause steam burns.
• water for drinking

Learn about what to pack in your emergency kit.

Check the Fire Danger Rating

The Fire Danger Rating tells you how dangerous a fire could be if one started. It's designed to help you make safer decisions.

Before you travel:

• Check the Fire Danger Rating for the places you are travelling through and your final destination.
• Do this the day before before using CFA's website or the VicEmergency App.

You can also find the Fire Danger Rating on signs along major roads throughout Victoria.

If it's an Extreme or Catastrophic fire danger day

Be prepared to change your travel plans.

Never travel through high risk areas when the Fire Danger Rating is Catastrophic. If you're already in a high risk area, leave early in the day or the night before.

If it is an Extreme fire danger day and you absolutely have to travel, plan your route so you can avoid areas with lots of vegetation (grassland, bushland, national parks, forests).

Stay alert to fires by:

• setting up a watch zone for your travel area in the VicEmergency app. It will notify you of any fire warnings or incidents near where you are.
• tuning into ABC and local radio
• using your own sense of sight and smell.

Visit a local Visitor Information Centre for up to date fire and weather information. They can also suggest safe activities to do instead of travelling through high risk areas.

Know the Fire Danger Period

Fire restrictions apply throughout Victoria during the declared Fire Danger Period.

On Total Fire Ban days, many activities are not allowed, including campfires and barbecues. Some national parks and picnic areas will also be closed.

It is important to know and respect fire restrictions, as heavy penalties apply for breaking the rules.

If you can see smoke and flames

If you can see a fire up ahead of you:

• Do not drive towards the fire
• U-turn to safety. Drive away from the fire.

If you can't get away from the fire, look for a clearing like a sports field or a paddock with short grass or no grass.

Some towns will have a specific place to go as a last resort in a bushfire, such as a Neighbourhood Safer Place (Bushfire Place of Last Resort) or Community Fire Refuge.

If you're caught in your car during a fire, follow our advice for the best chance of survival.

Further learning

To learn more about staying safe when driving around during Summer, do CFA's online learning module, Bushfire Safety for Workers.

Page last updated: Thursday, 20 August 2026 2:21:43 PM