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21/10/2009

Fire danger rating changed

The Bureau of Meteorology is changing the way fire danger is rated within its weather forecasts and warnings.

The Extreme category is being divided into three levels - Severe, Extreme and Catastrophic (Code Red). These new levels are based on the Forest Fire Danger Index (FFDI) and the Grass Fire Danger Index (GFDI).

The new Fire Danger Ratings are:

- Severe fire danger will be indicated when FFDI/GFDI is between 50 and 74;

- Extreme fire danger will be indicated when FFDI/GFDI is between 75 and 99; and

- Catastrophic (Code Red) fire danger will be indicated when FFDI/GFDI is 100 or above.

FIRE DANGER RATING

Category : Fire Danger Index

CATASTROPHIC (CODE RED) : 100 +

EXTREME : 75 – 99

SEVERE : 50 – 74

VERY HIGH : 25 - 49

HIGH : 12 – 24

LOW – MODERATE : 0 - 11

In Western Australia the threshold between High and Very High will remain at FDI = 32.

Fire weather warnings for all States and Territories are available in the warnings section of the bureau’s website http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/warnings.shtml