With Australia’s growing population and housing affordability issues the expansion of building and construction into fire zones is inevitable. Even if construction is not taking place in designated bushfire prone areas, changing climatic conditions and Australia’s harsh environment contribute to fire risks and exposures that we need to be prepared for.
Building In Bushfire Prone Areas in Australia
Living in Australia means appreciating its natural beauty, but also acknowledging the risk of bushfires. That’s where BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) comes in.
Imagine a shield protecting your home from the fury of a bushfire. That’s the essence of BAL rated products. They’re building materials and components rigorously tested to withstand specific levels of bushfire attack, including radiant heat, ember attack, and flame contact.
Avoid The Risks of BAL Rating Non Compliance
Don’t invite danger by being non-compliant. Skipping BAL rated products is a gamble that could potentially impact lives, property, finances, livelihoods and insurance premiums/claims.
Why have a home that is more susceptible to bushfire damage? You are getting peace of mind, not just bushfire zone protection when using BAL rated products. This is especially the case with the higher rated BAL FZ and BAL 40 products which provide the most extreme protection from ember attack, radiant heat and direct flame contact.
The Australian Standard AS3959 sets the construction requirements for bushfire-prone areas. Using BAL rated products ensures your home adheres to these regulations and provides the best chance of surviving a bushfire.
What You Must Know About Bushfire Attack Levels (BAL)
If you are building, renovating or buying a property in Australia and you are not certain as to whether or not you are in a bushfire prone area you should check with,
- your local authorities for the Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO),
- your council’s Planning Scheme may set minimum requirements for your BAL and defendable space, which will need to be incorporated into
- your planning permit application.
You should also consider seeking out an Accredited Bushfire Consultant which may also be referred to as a Certified Bushfire Assessor. These qualified consultants can provide BAL assessments, BMO reports, and bushfire planning guides for your property.
Bushfire Zones in Australia
We have listed some areas below that are likely to need a level of protection from BAL rated products but this list is NOT DEFINITIVE and you are advised to seek out the advice of qualified authorities. Please note that this is simply a guide. Bushfire Attack Level ratings assess the environment and conditions which by definition, makes BAL rating tools and subsequent assessments dynamic and subject to change.
Bushfire Prone Areas New South Wales (NSW)
Blue Mountains Region
- Suburbs: Katoomba (2780), Leura (2780), Blackheath (2785)
Northern Beaches
- Suburbs: Terry Hills (2084), Cottage Point (2084), Ingleside (2101)
Southern Highlands
- Suburbs: Bowral (2576), Mittagong (2575), Moss Vale (2577)
Bushfire Prone Areas Victoria (VIC)
Yarra Ranges
- Suburbs: Healesville (3777), Warburton (3799), Yarra Junction (3797)
Dandenong Ranges
- Suburbs: Belgrave (3160), Olinda (3788), Sassafras (3787)
Gippsland
- Bairnsdale (3875), Lakes Entrance (3909), Orbost (3888)
Bushfire Prone Areas Queensland (QLD)
Sunshine Coast
- Suburbs: Noosa Heads (4567), Peregian Beach (4573), Tewantin (4565)
Gold Coast Hinterland
- Suburbs: Tamborine Mountain (4272), Canungra (4275), Springbrook (4213)
Toowoomba Region
- Highfields (4352), Crows Nest (4355), Hampton (4352)
Bushfire Prone Areas South Australia (SA)
Adelaide Hills
- Suburbs: Stirling (5152), Crafers (5152), Aldgate (5154)
Kangaroo Island
- Suburbs: Kingscote (5223), American River (5221), Penneshaw (5222)
Bushfire Prone Areas Western Australia (WA)
Perth Hills
- Suburbs: Mundaring (6073), Kalamunda (6076), Roleystone (6111)
South West Region
- Suburbs: Margaret River (6285), Dunsborough (6281), Augusta (6290)
Bushfire Prone Areas Tasmania (TAS)
Hobart Surrounds
- Suburbs: Fern Tree (7054), Mount Nelson (7007), Kingston (7050)
East Coast
- Suburbs: St Helens (7216), Bicheno (7215), Swansea (7190)
Whether you are building or renovating for yourself or for others. The appeal of immersing oneself in the Australian bush can be spiritually enlightening for most. So whether you seek a tree change, desire a self sustaining lifestyle or just want to get out of the city, investing the time and right materials in your building project will enhance the joy and peace of mind you should get from a home.
BAL Flash: The roof flashing system that offers peace of mind in fire prone areas.
Don’t let roof pipe penetrations be an entry point for property destruction!
- Plumbers: Meet fire safety requirements with an easy to install BAL flashing kit rated up to BAL 40.
- Builders: Ensure your projects comply with BAL ratings and building codes in bushfire prone areas.
- Homeowners: Build with confidence knowing your home meets the strictest fire safety standards and will not contaminate water harvested from the roof.
BAL Flash is a world first solution for bushfire prone areas (BPA) you can select from roof pipe flashing kits rated up to BAL 40.
- BAL Compliant: Meets the requirements for all BAL levels up to BAL 40.
- Easy installation. Full kit provided for perfect seal and system integrity.
- Cost-Effective: Saves time and labor during construction.
- Achieves 100% compliance with the Australian Standard AS1530.8.1-2018 for fire regulations in bushfire zones.
Focus on what matters most, protecting people and property by building a safe and compliant home.
Aztec BAL Flash – Your Partner in Bushfire Protection.
