Updated Map of Bush Fire Prone Areas (May 2017)

​The latest Map of Bush Fire Prone Areas released 31st May 2017, updating the areas of Western Australia where bushfire risk may need to be assessed as part of planning and building applications.

For people developing or building properties, inclusion in the bushfire prone areas of the map may mean their property needs to meet higher standards, to limit the impact of bushfires and the potential loss of lives.

Office of Bushfire Risk Management (OBRM) A/Director Tim McNaught said those in affected areas were required, as a minimum, to have a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment prior to development, the outcome of which would determine the measures they need to put in place.

“This will lead to the building of homes in bushfire prone areas that are better able to withstand bushfires, as well as encouraging better informed land use,” he said.

“The map was introduced to address key recommendations from the Keelty Report, which investigated the loss of 71 homes in Perth’s bushfire prone suburbs of Roleystone and Kelmscott in February 2011.”

The map is reviewed annually in partnership with local governments to identify any required updates, including:

• where vegetation has been cleared, such as for new subdivisions or roadways;

• where vegetation has re-grown, such as through site rehabilitation or landscaping works, or in commercial plantations; and

• where vegetation management practices are in place or have changed.

Source: https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/mediareleases/Pages/MediaRelease.aspx?ItemId=803