Operational Checklist

Bushfire Risk Identification

Western Australia: Site Assessment Framework

Purpose:This checklist supports bushfire risk identification for sites, facilities and operations across Western Australia. It references AS 3959-2018, State Planning Policy 3.7, WAPC Guidelines for Planning in Bushfire Prone Areas, and DFES bushfire risk assessment frameworks. Use this to systematically evaluate exposure, determine control requirements and inform emergency planning.

1. Site Classification & Planning Context

2. Vegetation Classification & Fuel Load

3. Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Determination

BAL Categories (AS 3959-2018):

  • BAL-LOW: Insufficient risk to warrant specific construction requirements
  • BAL-12.5 / 19 / 29: Increasing levels of ember attack and radiant heat exposure
  • BAL-40: High levels of ember attack, radiant heat and flame contact
  • BAL-FZ (Flame Zone): Direct exposure to flames from fire front

4. Access, Egress & Perimeter Control

5. Water Supply & Suppression Capability

6. Emergency Response & Communication

7. Seasonal Factors & Weather Monitoring

Key Reference Documents

  • AS 3959-2018: Construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas
  • State Planning Policy 3.7: Planning in Bushfire Prone Areas (WAPC, 2015)
  • Guidelines for Planning in Bushfire Prone Areas: Western Australian Planning Commission (Version 1.4, 2023)
  • DFES Map of Bush Fire Prone Areas: Department of Fire and Emergency Services WA
  • Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS): Fire danger scale and public warnings framework
RESOLVE

Emergency Management