Bushfire prone areas

Bushfire prone areas are subject to, or likely to be subject to, wildfire. The residential building standard for bushfire protection aims to improve a building’s capacity to withstand a wildfire attack.

Is my property in a Bushfire Prone Area?

To determine if your property is in a Bushfire Prone Area, perform an online search for your property through the Victorian Government Property and Parcel search website or complete a Building information request.

Building information request

Bushfire Attack Level assessments

Once you’ve determined your property is in a Bushfire Prone Area, an assessment is required to determine the Bushfire Attack Level (BAL). This assessment inspection can be carried out by a building surveyor, owner, architect, building designer or builder. The assessment guides construction requirements. 

To comply with Australian Standards, all new homes constructed in a Bushfire Prone Area must be built to a minimum of 12.5 to help withstand ember attack.

This template will assist - Bushfire Attack Level Assessment Template(DOC, 2MB).

Existing buildings

Many existing homes do not meet current levels of bushfire protection required by regulations. Find information on retrofitting and upgrading existing homes on the Victorian Building Authority website.

Bushfire shelters and bunkers

Bushfire shelters have to comply with performance requirements set out in the Building Code of Australia including safe access and maintaining conditions within the shelter for the period of occupancy. A bushfire shelter requires a Building Permit prior to commencing construction. Further information on bushfire shelters can be found on the Victorian Building Authority website.