Bushfire · Basecamp

000 Fire threatening life or property

NSW Bush Fire Information Line: 1800 679 737. Don’t wait for a warning: some fires spread too fast for one.

Fire Danger Ratings

How bad a fire would be if one started. Use the rating as your trigger to act.

Catastrophic	For your survival, leave bush fire risk areas. Go the night before or early in the morning. Homes cannot withstand fires in these conditions. You may not be able to leave and help may not be available.
Extreme	Take action now. Check your plan and that your property is fire ready. If you are not prepared to the highest level, go to a safer place well before a fire arrives. Reconsider travel through risk areas.
High	Heightened risk. Be alert for fires. The safest option is to avoid bush fire risk areas.
Moderate	Stay up to date and be ready to act if there is a fire.

“No Rating” is issued on days of minimal risk.

Advice: a fire has started, no immediate danger. Stay up to date.
Watch and Act: heightened threat, conditions changing. Start taking action now to protect you and your family.
Emergency Warning: highest level. You may be in danger and need to act immediately. Any delay puts your life at risk.

Warnings may come by radio, TV, siren, or an Emergency Alert text or call. Take every alert seriously.

Your safest option is always to leave early, well before a fire reaches your area.
Children, older people, people with disability or medical conditions should always leave early. So should anyone who doubts they can cope: heat, thick smoke, embers, noise, darkness, no power or water.
Visiting? Avoid areas on Extreme or Catastrophic days. If a fire is near, leave early for an unaffected area. Ask your accommodation about safety measures.

Only when no other part of your plan can be done safely, and the path is clear. It does not guarantee safety.
Expect heat, smoke and embers. There may be no water, toilets, food or emergency staff. Not for pets or livestock.
No NSP nearby? Plan another last resort, e.g. a well-prepared nearby home, or a shopping centre or oval well away from the bush.
Know the route and a backup route. Expect heavy smoke on the way. Stay until the threat has passed.

Discuss what you will do if a fire threatens: when to leave, what to take, animals.
Prepare your home.
Know the alert levels and keep track of them.
Keep bush fire numbers, websites and apps handy, and don’t rely on one source (phones may not work in remote areas).

Fine metal mesh screens on windows and doors; seals around gaps.
Short lawns; cut back trees over buildings; clear leaves, twigs and debris.
Hoses long enough to reach around the house. Pool, tank or dam: put a Static Water Supply sign at your entrance.
Keep home and contents insurance up to date.

Check Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Bans for your route and destination.
Grass fires start easily, move fast and can cut roads. Smoke cuts visibility; roads can close without warning.
Carry a survival kit: battery radio, protective clothing, woollen blankets, water.