What are fire danger ratings?
Fire danger ratings describe how dangerous a fire could be if one started in your area. A higher rating means the conditions are more dangerous.
Fire danger rating signs can be seen on roadsides across NSW. You can also check the fire danger rating in your area.
Fire danger ratings are issued on days when there is a risk of fire and you need to take action.
Understanding them will help you to prepare your bushfire survival plan and determine when to act if your risk of a fire increases.
You can download the NSW RFS fire danger ratings guide, print a copy and display it in a prominent place in your home.
Find out more about the Australian Fire Danger Rating System.
Moderate (green)
What it means
Most fires can be controlled.
What you should do
Plan and prepare.
Stay up to date and be ready to act if there is a fire.
High (yellow)
What it means
Fires can be dangerous.
What you should do
Be ready to act.
- There is a heightened risk. Be alert for fires in your area.
- Decide what you will do if a fire starts.
- If a fire starts, your life and property may be at risk. The safest option is to avoid bushfire-risk areas.
Extreme (orange)
What it means
Fires will spread quickly and be extremely dangerous.
These are dangerous fire conditions.
What you should do
Take action now to protect your life and property.
- Check your bushfire plan and ensure that your property is fire-ready.
- If a fire starts, take immediate action. If you and your property are not prepared to the highest level, go to a safer location well before the fire impacts.
- Reconsider travel through bushfire-risk areas.
Catastrophic (red)
What it means
If a fire starts and takes hold, lives are likely to be lost.
These are the most dangerous conditions for a fire.
What you should do
For your survival, leave bushfire-risk areas.
- Your life may depend on the decisions you make, even before there is a fire.
- Stay safe by going to a safer location early in the morning or the night before.
- Homes cannot withstand fires in these conditions. You may not be able to leave, and help may not be available.
Ways to stay informed
- Find your local ABC radio station. Use a battery-operated radio, as power or mobile networks may be affected.
- For bushfire advice and warnings, visit the Rural Fire Service (RFS) website, Facebook or X (formerly Twitter), or download the Hazards Near Me app.
- Bush Fire Information Line – 1800 679 737.
Stay in touch with family, friends and neighbours. Let them know where you are and share important updates with them.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech impairment
Contact the National Relay Service (NRS):
- TTY users phone 1800 555 677 then ask for 1800 679 737
- Speak and Listen users phone 1800 555 727 then ask for 1800 679 737
- Internet relay users connect to the NRS then ask for 1800 679 737
Report a fire or emergency (TTY users only) through TTY 106.