CFS launches new fire danger rating system

The Australia Fire Danger Rating System, which will go live today, replaces the McArthur System which was developed 60 years ago.

The new ratings are green/moderate (plan and prepare), yellow/high (be ready to act), orange/extreme (take action now to protect your life and property) and red/catastrophic (for your survival, leave bushfire risk areas).

The system will also introduce a 'no rating' for those days where no proactive action is required by the community.

On these days, individuals will still need to abide by local seasonal laws and regulations, but there is less risk of a fire spreading in a dangerous or life-threatening way.

There will be no change to the conditions under which a total fire ban will be declared.

In addition, the system also includes a Fire Behaviour Index, which will be used by industry professionals to support decisions about fire preparedness, suppression and prescribed burning.

This FBI takes into consideration eight different fuel types, compared with only two previously.

As a result, the Grain Harvest Code of Practice has been changed.

The revised figure to cease harvesting is FBI number of 40, which is the improved fire science the fire danger rating system is based on.

This figure was determined to produce similar outcomes to the previous Grassland Fire Danger Index number of 35, meaning there will be minimal impact on growers according to the CFS.

The code of practice and harvesting operations table is in the final stages of finalisation to reflect the revised figure.

A factsheet is being developed to provide more information on the FBI in relation to harvest.

A Country Fire Service spokesperson said the body was working with key stakeholders to spread this information impacted individuals.

Speaking at the Eyre Peninsula Field Days earlier this month, CFS regional prevention officer Adrian Parente said the national system would provide a safe and concise way to understand fire danger for community members and tourists alike.

"For us in the CFS, it means when we go interstate to help out, we know the fire danger rating because it's the same as what we have in SA," he said.

"In the past there's been so many different rating systems around the place that it's gotten confusing, but now we're on the same page.

"People on holiday from interstate will know the danger as well and will be able to ensure they're across what they need to do."

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SA received $1.985 million in federal funding to implement the system which will be matched by the CFS.

Emergency Services Minister Joe Szakacs said SA led a national research project which was pivotal in the implementation of the new system.

"South Australian led social research into the new AFDRS illustrates our State's pioneering efforts towards a national system," he said.

"Through this research it was identified that most Australians do not believe the Fire Danger Ratings are relevant to them.

"Implementing a national system of bushfire awareness is crucial to providing people accurate information to protect themselves during dangerous bushfire days.

"We encourage all South Australians, even those not directly in the line of fire, to become familiar with the new system to help keep family, friends and pets safe as we approach summer."

Fire Danger Season dates have not yet been set for the state, with a CFS spokesperson saying the service would continue to monitor conditions and rainfall over the coming months, which would influence when the season would commence.