Fire danger rating scale
Low-Moderate
Plan and prepare. Most fires can be controlled. Stay aware of the conditions before burning off.
High
Be ready to act. Fires can spread quickly and threaten lives. Reconsider travel into remote bush.
Very High
Take action now to protect your life and property. Dry, windy conditions increase the risk.
Severe
Fires will spread quickly and be hard to control. Leaving early is the safest option.
Extreme
For your survival, leave bushfire-risk areas early. Fires will be uncontrollable and unpredictable.
Catastrophic
The worst conditions for a fire. Leaving early the night before is the only option for survival.
Campfire safety
Before you light
Check it's not a total fire ban day. Use designated fire pits where provided, clear three metres around the fire, keep it under one square metre, and have water or a rake on hand. Never leave it unattended.
Putting it out
Drown it, stir the ashes, then drown it again and feel for heat with the back of your hand. If it's too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave.
In an emergency
000Fire, police or ambulance — call triple zero.
Monitor the VicEmergency app and ABC local radio on high-risk days. If you're not sure, leave early — don't wait to see what happens.
VicEmergency & warnings →