Find all the essential bushfire information you need for your project
FAQs
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This depends on the type and stage of your development. For most new homes in bushfire-prone areas, a BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) Assessment is required to determine the construction standards under AS 3959. A Bushfire Management Plan (BMP) is needed for more complex proposals and is usually required at the planning approval stage—particularly for subdivisions, larger lots, or sites without a reticulated water supply. Developments that involve vulnerable occupants (such as aged care or education facilities) will also require a Bushfire Emergency Plan (BEP), and high-risk land uses (like fuel depots) may need a Bushfire Risk Management Plan (BRMP).
Still unsure? Contact us and we’ll help determine which report is right for your project.
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While each report varies, they all typically evaluate:
Vegetation type, separation
Site Slopes
A BMP will also cover:
Property access for firefighting and evacuation
Water availability (e.g. hydrants or tanks)
Emergency plans like BEPs and BRMPs also assess evacuation strategy, staff training needs, and hazard containment for high-risk or vulnerable use sites.
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A BAL Assessment is usually needed when applying for a Building Licence. A BMP is typically required earlier—at the planning or subdivision stage—to support a Development Application. BEPs and BRMPs are submitted alongside DAs for vulnerable or high-risk land uses.
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Your report will include your BAL rating, and potentially a list of bushfire mitigation requirements, such as vegetation clearing, construction upgrades, or water supply improvements if you had a BMP completed.
These documents will need to be shown in your building or development plans when submitting to council.
It's important your builder is aware of the BAL rating and conditions early to avoid delays or non-compliance. -
Only BPAD-accredited practitioners can complete valid bushfire reports.
Level 1 & 2 practitioners can prepare BAL Assessments and most BMPs (with sign-off from a senior member where required)
Level 3 accreditation is required for BEPs and BRMPs
Bushfire Smart has one of the few Level 3 practitioners in WA, meaning we can service all report types in-house.
Want some more detailed information?
Read on to find out more!
Planning & Building Process
This section outlines when to get a BAL assessment, what a BAL rating means for your design, and how compliance affects materials, windows, and layout.
Bushfire Awareness & Preparation
This section provides practical, seasonal guidance tailored to the conditions of Western Australia, including advice for cooler months when preparation is most effective.
Compliance & Assessments
This section breaks down the assessments and reports that may be required under WA planning and building laws, helping you stay compliant and avoid costly delays.
Owner Builder Bushfire Requirements: When You Need a BAL or BMP in WA
Planning to build your own home in a bushfire-prone area of Western Australia? As an owner-builder, you're already wearing multiple hats—designer, project manager, and often, negotiator. But when your dream home sits in a high-risk area, there’s one more crucial role you’ll need to take seriously: bushfire compliance manager.
Bushfire Preparation Starts Now: Key Steps for the Cooler Months
As we move into the cooler, wetter season—known as Djeran in the Noongar calendar—the immediate risk of bushfire reduces significantly. Djeran, which typically spans April and May, signals a change in weather patterns across much of Western Australia, bringing lower temperatures, increased rainfall, and calmer conditions.
While fire risk may not feel urgent, this period provides the perfect window to prepare for the next bushfire season.
🏠 When Should You Get a Bushfire Assessment?
Planning to build in a bushfire-prone area? One of the smartest moves you can make is booking your BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) assessment early—before design work is finalised.
What type of Bushfire Report do I need?
A BAL rating reflects the expected level of radiant heat exposure, measured in kilowatts per square metre (kW/m²) to your building. BAL ratings range from BAL–Low (minimal risk) to BAL–Flame Zone (FZ) (highest risk).
How Does a Bushfire Attack Your Home?
When people think of bushfire damage, they often imagine flames engulfing a house directly. But the reality is more complex. In fact, many homes lost to bushfire are located over 700 metres from the fire front—and most are not destroyed by direct flame contact.
📘 Understanding AS 3959: A Plain English Guide for Homeowners
Building in a bushfire-prone area means complying with AS 3959—but what does that actually mean for your home?
Here’s a straightforward guide to help you understand what AS 3959 is, why it matters, and how it affects your building design.
I’ve Got My BAL Rating—Now What?
Receiving your Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating is a critical milestone in the planning and development process—but it’s not the finish line. Understanding what comes next is key to staying compliant, on budget, and on schedule.
How is a BAL Rating Calculated?
How is your BAL rating actually determined?
A Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating is calculated using procedures outlined in AS 3959 – Construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas. There are two methods available: the Simplified Procedure (Method 1) and the Detailed Procedure (Method 2). In most cases, Method 1 is sufficient, and that’s the focus of this article.
What is a BAL Rating?
A BAL rating reflects the expected level of radiant heat exposure, measured in kilowatts per square metre (kW/m²) to your building. BAL ratings range from BAL–Low (minimal risk) to BAL–Flame Zone (FZ) (highest risk).
What Influences Bushfire Behaviour?
Bushfire behaviour refers to how a bushfire responds to its surroundings—like the type of vegetation, weather, and land slope. Understanding how a fire is likely to behave helps us predict its intensity, speed, and direction.