Bushfire safety basics

Overview

If you visit, live or work in high risk bushfire areas, it's important to have a basic understanding of bushfires and how they behave. You should know what to do when there is a fire - it could save your life.

You will learn about

  • How bushfires start
  • Types of fire - bushfires, grassfires, forest fires, coastal fires
  • How your location and environment affects fire behaviour
  • Ember attack and radiant heat
  • The importance of having a bushfire plan
  • How to know if there is a fire near you
  • What to do when a fire starts
  • Fire restrictions

Explore the topics below to learn about fire, the importance of having a fire plan and what you should do to keep you and your loved ones safe.

1 to 9 of 9 Results

How bushfires start

  • 5 min read

Bushfires and grassfires start due to natural and human causes. All fire needs heat, oxygen and fuel (vegetation) to start, burn and keep burning. Learn more about what causes bushfires and how to prevent fires starting on this page.

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How bushfires behave

  • 20 min read

Bushfires are known for being unpredictable, but there are three major factors which influence how they behave. They are vegetation, the weather and climate, and the shape of the landscape. Learn about what makes fires dangerous.

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Types of fires

  • 4 min read

Bushfires and grassfires are common throughout Victoria. They can burn in bushland, forests, rural grasslands, the coast and urban bushland areas. Learn more on how the shape of the land and types of trees, plants and grasses in an area affect fires.

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About Fire Danger Period and Total Fire Ban days

  • 7 min read

Over the hotter months, there are rules about using fire and heat in the outdoors. This is to reduce the risk of fires starting at a time when they are much harder to put out. Find out the rules for the different types of restrictions.

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What to do when a fire starts

  • 11 min read

Bushfires travel extremely quickly and can arrive without warning. Leaving early is the best way to protect yourself and your family. Learn what to do if you can't leave, and what it is like when a fire approaches.

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VicEmergency App and Hotline

  • 5 min read

The VicEmergency App gives you real-time information about emergencies across the state. Set up watch zones to be notified of warnings and incidents near you.

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My CFA

  • 6 min read

Join 24,000 others across Victoria and receive MyCFA—CFA’s email newsletter containing relevant local information about fire safety and restrictions—straight to your inbox.

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After a bushfire

  • 9 min read

Going home after a bushfire can be hard. You might have to wait longer than you want to return safely. Learn what to do and where to get help while you wait.

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