About Fire Danger Ratings

3 min read

Fire Danger Ratings show how dangerous a fire could be if one starts. They help you understand the level of fire risk and what actions you may need to take to stay safe. The same rating system is used across Australia.

Summary

Learn what Fire Danger Ratings mean and how they help you understand fire risk and stay safe during bushfires and grassfires.

The different Fire Danger Rating levels
What each rating means
Actions you should take at each level
How ratings help you prepare and stay safe

Fire Danger Ratings

AFDRS new ratings

There are four levels of fire danger:

Moderate - Plan and prepare
High - Be ready to act
Extreme - Take action now to protect your life and property
Catastrophic - For your survival, leave bushfire risk areas

Fire Danger Ratings will be issued on days when there is a fire risk.

Each fire danger rating will have a clear set of messages including the actions the community can take to reduce their risk.

Ratings are forecast using Bureau of Meteorology data for up to four days in advance, based on weather and other environmental conditions such as vegetation.

The rating is your trigger to take action to stay safe.

What does it mean?

If a fire starts and takes hold, lives are likely to be lost.

These are the most dangerous conditions for a fire.

What should I do?

For your survival, leave bushfire risk areas.

Your life may depend on the decisions you make, even before there is a fire.
For your survival, do not be in bushfire risk areas.
Stay safe by going to a safer location early in the morning or the night before.
Homes cannot withstand fires in these conditions. You may not be able to leave and help may not be available.

What does it mean?

Fires will spread quickly and be extremely dangerous.

These are dangerous fire conditions.
Expect hot, dry and windy conditions.

What should I do?

Take action now to protect your life and property

Check your bushfire plan and that your property is fire ready
If a fire starts, take immediate action. If you and your property are not prepared to the highest level, go to a safer location well before the fire impacts.
Reconsider travel through bushfire risk areas.
Leaving bushfire risk areas early in the day is your safest option.

Current Fire Danger Ratings

View current and forecast Fire Danger Ratings across Victoria, including Total Fire Ban information and fire risk conditions for different parts of the state.

Use CFA Local to check the Fire Danger Rating forecast for your local area, along with local warnings, restrictions, permits, brigade information and other community safety information.

More information

Learn more about the Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS) from AFAC, the Australian and New Zealand Council for fire and emergency services, including how ratings are calculated, what they mean and frequently asked questions.

You can also visit VicEmergency for practical advice on how to prepare for bushfires and grassfires and understand what actions to take at each Fire Danger Rating level.

Page last updated: Monday, 31 August 2026 1:14:31 PM