A Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Assessment is a means of measuring the severity of a buildings potential exposure to ember attack, radiant heat and direct flame contact in a bushfire event, and thereby determining the construction measures required for the dwelling.
The BAL assessment takes into account several factors including the Fire Danger Index, the slope of the land, types of vegetation and how close it is to the proposed building.
Once a BAL is calculated, building construction requirements can be calculated from the relevant sections of the Australian standard to ensure the correct resistance to bushfires. These requirements take into account the BAL rating for attack from burning embers, radiant heat and flame contact.
The Bushfire Attack Levels are broken down into 6 categories:
There is insufficient risk to warrant specific construction requirements
Ember Attack
Increasing levels of ember attack and burning debris ignited by windborne embers together with increasing heat flux
Increasing levels of ember attack and burning debris ignited by windborne embers together with increasing heat flux
Increasing levels of ember attack and burning debris ignited by windborne embers together with increasing heat flux with the increased likelihood of exposure to flames
Direct exposure to flames from the fire front in addition to heat flux and ember attack
Each one of these can add costs to your building costs, so it is important to get a qualified person to prepare a report that recognises the most cost effective method of assessment. To ensure you are getting the best result, our BAL assessments are carried out by FPAA accredited consultants.
A Bushfire Management Plan (BMP) is used to assess a proposal against State Planning Policy 3.7 (SPP 3.7). This is required when a project falls within a bushfire prone area and involves either a development approval or subdivision of land.
Our in-house Bushfire Practitioners assess the property, advise how to comply with SPP3.7, and provide a report demonstrating compliance which is suitable for lodgement with Local Council or WAPC. Fully accredited with the Fire Protection Association Australia (FPAA) our reports are accepted throughout Western Australia.
Contact us for pricing, advice or just a chat about your bushfire requirements.
A development which is classified as ‘Vulnerable Use’ needs additional bushfire protection measures, and hence requires assessment against the Vulnerable Use provisions of State Planning Policy 3.7 and the development of a Bushfire Emergency Evacuation Plan (BEEP) template and diagram.
The intent of a Bushfire Evacuation Plan is to provide strategic guidance to the owners and occupants of the subject property to assist with preparation for a future bushfire event; and provide guidance in the event of a bushfire threatening the property.
It is a document specifically designed for vulnerable persons who do not have the experience to accurately determine the potential risk of a bushfire and what actions to take in the event of a bushfire. Therefore, it is not a technical document and emphasis is placed on the safety of lives rather than preservation of property.
Unsure whether your current home is adequately equipped for bushfire season?
Sustainability WA will assess the vegetation surrounding your home and give you a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating which identifies the severity of a buildings potential exposure to ember attack, radiant heat and direct flame contact in a bushfire event. We will also supply you with an in-depth analysis on how to reduce the bushfire threat to your property and the steps forward after recieving your BAL.
