Building in a Bushfire Prone Area
It is the purpose of the bushfire prone declaration to improve the level of protection of life and property in the event of a bushfire.
This will be achieved by ensuring that all new buildings are constructed to a standard that will reduce the risk of ignition from any bushfire that may occur in the area and buy the occupant as much time as possible to escape from the dwelling safely.
A Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment is required to determine the level of fire intensity that may impact on the building and the level of construction is dependent on this assessment. The assessment is based on vegetation type, density and proximity to property.
Where proposed buildings are assessed as BAL ‘low’ there are no specific construction requirements under the standard at this time. Any buildings that are assessed as having a BAL above 'low' are required to meet the construction requirements of Australia Standard 3959. Construction requirements can range from prevention of ember attack through to withstanding a high heat flux and burning debris. It is recommended you discuss the relevant AS3959 requirements with your builder, architect or designer.
Planning and Development (Bushfire Risk Management) Regulations
In December 2015, the WA Planning Commission announced the publication of key bushfire related land use documents. The documents include State Planning Policy No. 3.7 (SPP 3.7): Planning in Bushfire Prone Areas. For further information, refer to the Department of Planning website guidelines on what is required, including information on Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessments.
Bushfire Prone Areas
An interactive map of designated ‘bush fire prone areas’ is available at DFES Map of Bushfire Prone Areas. The ‘pink’ area denotes areas that are considered bushfire prone.
What does this mean for me and my property?
There are a number of private consultants who have a considerable amount of recognised experience in this field who undertake BAL assessments. You will need to engage a certified Bushfire Consultant to prepare a BAL report for you.
Each proposal will be assessed by the Shire on its merits. We recommend you seek support from an experienced consultant in the preparation of BAL site specific requirements.
Please refer to our Fire and Emergency Management webpage for more information on maintaining your property’s fire breaks, the Annual Bushfire Mitigation Notice, bushfire warning levels, permitted/restricted burning periods and so on.