The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) is taking part in a national post-fire season review of the Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS).
The review will consider the AFDRS’s benefits and challenges, as well as opportunities to improve the implementation of the new system.
Each State will conduct its own review, which will be led at a national level by the Australasian Fire Authorities Council.
The AFDRS was implemented in all States and Territories to better inform communities about bushfire risks, replacing a system that had been in place since the 1960s.
It uses improvements in science and forecasting to deliver localised and more accurate information, enhancing the reliability of fire danger forecasts.
In a statement, the DFES said an important feature of the new system was its ability to refine, update and constantly improve its application and functionality as new science and evidence became available.
“Since the release of the new system, the DFES has closely monitored system performance and accuracy through the collection of evidence, case studies and consultation with key stakeholders across emergency services and the agricultural industry,” the Department said.
“This has included working closely with the national project team and the Bureau of Meteorology to update fuel data inputs and fire behaviour model parameters, resulting in improved forecasting in several areas across the State.”
It said the national review would inform improvements required nationally, and the DFES would also undertake its own review to identify required changes to State-level operational decision-making, regulatory triggers and community education.
“We are currently undertaking research targeted at key stakeholders and communities across WA to understand and measure awareness of the new system and capture suggested improvements to inform the review,” the Department said.
