Tune in to warnings

Bushfire Warnings

All Queenslanders should be familiar with the official Bushfire Warnings system. When there's a bushfire in your area, it's up to you to take notice, seek information, make decisions and act.

ADVICE MONITOR CONDITIONS.

Monitor conditions and review your Bushfire Survival Plan.

When an Advice warning is issued for your area, it indicates a fire or other emergency has started, however there is no immediate threat. At this level of warning you will be asked to stay informed.

You should...

Note there is a fire nearby
Decide what you will do if the situation changes
Tune in to local radio or log on to the web or social media to stay informed
Review your Bushfire Survival Plan.

WATCH & ACT CONDITIONS ARE CHANGING.

Start taking action and follow your Bushfire Survival Plan

When a Watch & Act warning is issued for your area, there is a heightened level of threat, you need to be aware of your situation and take action to be prepared and protect yourself and your family. At this level of warning you will be asked either to leave now or be prepared to leave.

Be aware that...

There is a heightened level of threat
Bushfire conditions in your area are changing
A fire is approaching you
Your life may come under threat
You need to start taking appropriate action now to protect yourself and your family
You could be impacted and should prepare to enact your Bushfire Survival Plan.

EMERGENCY WARNING YOU ARE IN DANGER.

Act on your Bushfire Survival Plan now.

When an Emergency Warning is issued for your area, you are in danger. At this level of warning you will be asked to leave immediately, seek shelter or seek shelter immediately if conditions have become too dangerous to leave.

You should...

Take immediate action recommended by the Fire Service in its warning message
Enact your Bushfire Survival Plan
Make sure you are ready for any emergency and prepare for the fire to impact where you are if you are not able to leave.

Tune in

Don't assume you'll receive a warning as a fire approaches and don't assume a fire crew will be available to assist every home. It's up to you to monitor conditions, know what the Fire Danger Rating is each day and to tune in to local media including radio, social media and websites.

Bushfires map
Find your local ABC radio
Find your local commercial radio
QFES Facebook
QFES Twitter
Rural Fire Service website
Phone Triple Zero (000) for life threatening emergencies.

Fire Danger Ratings

The Fire Danger Rating (FDR) is an early indicator of potential danger and should act as your first trigger for action.

The higher the rating, the greater the need for you to act.

The FDR is an assessment of the potential fire behaviour, the difficulty of suppressing a fire and the potential impact on the community should a bushfire occur on a given day.

Low-moderate

A fire with a 'low to moderate' rating can be easily controlled and pose little or no risk to life or property.
During a fire with a 'low to moderate' rating, you should know where to get more information and monitor the situation for any changes.

High

A fire with a 'high' danger rating is a fire that can be controlled, where loss of life is unlikely and damage to property will be limited.
During a fire with a 'high' danger rating, you should know where to get more information and monitor the situation for any changes.

Very high

A fire with a 'very high' danger rating is a fire that can be difficult to control, with flames that may burn into the tree tops. During a fire of this type, some homes and businesses may be damaged or destroyed.
During a fire with a 'very high' danger rating, you should use your home as a place of safety only if it is well-prepared and well-constructed.

Severe

A fire with a 'severe' rating may be uncontrollable and move quickly, with flames that may be higher than roof tops. A 'severe' fire may cause injuries and some homes or businesses may be destroyed.
During a fire with a 'severe' rating, leaving is the safest option for your survival. Use your home as a place of safety only if it is well-prepared and well-constructed.

Extreme

A fire with an 'extreme' rating may be uncontrollable, unpredictable and fast moving. The flames will be higher than roof tops. During an 'extreme' fire, people may be injured and homes and businesses may be destroyed.
During a fire with an 'extreme' rating, well-prepared and well-constructed homes may not be safe. Leaving is the only option for your survival.

Catastrophic

A fire with a rating of 'catastrophic' may be uncontrollable, unpredictable and fast moving. The flames will be higher than roof tops. Many people may be injured and many homes and businesses may be destroyed.
During a fire with a 'catastrophic' rating, well-prepared and well-constructed homes will not be safe. Leaving is the only option for your survival.

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Bushfire Safety