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About
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According to Australian Standards AS 3959, bushfire intensity levels are divided into 6 Bushfire Attack Levels (BAL):
1. BAL Low
2. BAL 12.5
3. BAL 19
4. BAL 29
5. BAL 40
6. BAL Flame Zone
A BAL score is calculated based on a number of different factors, including the Fire Danger Index, slope of the land, region, type and proximity of vegetation and proximity to a proposed building.
Building construction requirements under Australian Standards increase according to the BAL score, ranging from ember protection to direct flame contact protection.
Maintaining the appropriate response to bushfire risk may be a complex, onerous and time consuming process. The consequences of getting it wrong can be disastrous.
The team at WA BAL Report can help you easily navigate and comply with the relevant provisions of Australian Standards AS 3959.
The state government has released a map showing bushfire prone areas in Western Australia. If your property is in the pink area you will need a BAL report before a building permit can be issued. Here is a link to the map:
Map of Bushfire Prone Areas
Services
WA BAL Report offers professional services on:
• Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Reports
• Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Certificates
• Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Assessments
• Bushfire Compliance Certificates
• Bushfire Management Plans (BMP)
• Bushfire Management Statement (BMS)
• Bushfire Threat Assessment Reports
• Bushfire Hazard Assessments
• Emergency Management
• Building in Bushfire Prone Areas (AS3959: 2009 compliance)
• Bushfire Inspections
The team at WA BAL Report can review your plans and designs to ensure compliance with the requirements of the BAL construction risk category.
Our Bushfire Certifiers can also visit your property to conduct a Bushfire Site Assessment of existing buildings to determine your level of risk and advise you of the appropriate response.
Our Team
James Terenciuk
Andrea
Chanelle
Georg
Hadia
Lisa
Latest news
Catastrophic Fire Danger in WA; what you can do to protect yourself from bushfires.
Western Australia fears the worst as southern and inland parts of the state face a catastrophic fire danger. Warnings have been issues for Central Wheat Belt, Inland Central West-South, Upper Great Southern, Gascoyne Inland, Stirling Inland, Roe and Lakes. The rising temperatures of about 40° C and beyond in the southern areas paired with the Read more about Catastrophic Fire Danger in WA; what you can do to protect yourself from bushfires.[…]
Tenable conditions within a sealed private bushfire shelter
WA BAL Report supports research conducted into bushfires including implementing measures that result in saving lives and property. As a result of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission, it was discovered that 7 people died after seeking shelter in improvised bushfire bunkers, as their design and construction were not regulated. The Australian Building Codes Board Read more about Tenable conditions within a sealed private bushfire shelter[…]
Ensure you are insured in bushfire-prone areas
WA BAL Report are experts in conducting bushfire attack level assessments and bushfire attack level reports for those living in bushfire-prone areas. WA BAL Report urges those living in bushfire-prone areas to ensure their homes are adequately insured. Research has shown that many Australians have no or inadequate home insurance coverage to protect their assets Read more about Ensure you are insured in bushfire-prone areas[…]
International Firefighters’ Day Memorial Service
WA BAL Report provides its utmost support to firefighters and the tough work they do. International Firefighters’ Day is a day to consider and acknowledge the work done by firefighters around the world every day, and to commemorate the legacy of firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty. In recognition of the sacrifice and Read more about International Firefighters’ Day Memorial Service[…]
About the NASH standard ‘Steel Framed Construction in Bushfire areas’
WA BAL Report refers to and complies with the performance requirements for construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas. A Class 1 building or Class 10a building or deck associated with a Class 1 building that is constructed in a bushfire-prone area must, to the degree necessary, be designed and constructed to reduce the risk of ignition Read more about About the NASH standard ‘Steel Framed Construction in Bushfire areas’[…]
About the application process for buildings other than single houses in a bushfire prone area
Yesterday, WA BAL Report discussed the application process for buildings other than single houses in a bushfire-prone area. Today, we will cover the application process for all other buildings. The application process has become more complex since reforms to the bushfire planning process were implemented on 8 April 2016. If you live in a bushfire-prone area, Read more about About the application process for buildings other than single houses in a bushfire prone area[…]
About the application process for a single house in a bushfire prone area
Today, WA BAL Report sheds some light on the application process for those wishing to build a single house in a bushfire-prone area. The application process for the construction of single houses has become more complex since reforms to the bushfire planning process were implemented on 8 April 2016. If you live in a bushfire-prone Read more about About the application process for a single house in a bushfire prone area[…]
WA BAL Report reveals extent of bushfire devastation in Yarloop
Last week, WA BAL Report conducted a bushfire attack level assessment report in the bushfire-ravaged Western Australian town of Yarloop. The Yarloop bushfire, which struck the town in WA’s southwest in January this year, destroyed over 180 properties, claimed 2 lives and resulted in $71 million damage. Unfortunately, the town was virtually wiped off the map and Read more about WA BAL Report reveals extent of bushfire devastation in Yarloop[…]
New regulations apply to roof-mounted evaporative coolers to prevent bush fire attack
Bushfire planning regulations in Western Australia changed from 8 April 2016. If you live in a bushfire-prone area, a significant number of new regulations have been implemented which you must now comply with. WA BAL Report can assess your requirements and advise you on how to protect your home from bushfire attack. Included as part of Read more about New regulations apply to roof-mounted evaporative coolers to prevent bush fire attack[…]
Fire Protection Association Australia to hold more Bushfire Attack Level Short Courses
The Fire Protection Association (FPA) Australia have recently announced they will hold a new round of Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Short Courses in Western Australia from this April to July. The 5 day short course provides participants with the required skills, knowledge and ability to determine a Bushfire Attack Level and provide advice on the Read more about Fire Protection Association Australia to hold more Bushfire Attack Level Short Courses[…]
Identifying bushfire risks and dangers
WA BAL Report are experts in conducting bushfire attack level assessments and bushfire attack level reports for those living in bushfire-prone areas. However, if you live in a bushfire-prone area, it is likely you will be required to do more to protect yourself from bushfire risk, including identifying the risks and dangers of bushfires. You Read more about Identifying bushfire risks and dangers[…]
Subsidy continues to apply to local government employees for Bushfire Attack Level Assessor short course
WA BAL Report stresses the importance for bushfire assessment professionals of ensuring they gain knowledge about bushfires and bushfire assessing and remain up to date with industry best practices. WA BAL Report welcomes the news that the subsidy scheme for local government employees to complete a 5-day bushfire attack level (BAL) assessor short course has been Read more about Subsidy continues to apply to local government employees for Bushfire Attack Level Assessor short course[…]
About the Department of Fire and Emergency Services Bushfire Warning Systems
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) issues warnings to inform the community about the risk of bushfires in the local area. The warning information is provided by way of community alerts. WA BAL Report considers it important for those living in bushfire-prone areas to learn and understand the different types of community alerts Read more about About the Department of Fire and Emergency Services Bushfire Warning Systems[…]
Calculating the likelihood of bushfires – the Keetch-Byram Drought Index
WA BAL Report are experts in conducting bushfire attack level assessments and bushfire attack level reports for those living in bushfire-prone areas. However, WA BAL Report also provide specialist advice on bushfires and bushfire prevention generally. Today, WA BAL Report discusses the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI), which can be used to measure the level of Read more about Calculating the likelihood of bushfires – the Keetch-Byram Drought Index[…]
Bushfire construction requirements of the Building Code of Australia
Today, on 8 April 2016, the 4 month transition period for compliance with the bushfire construction requirements of the Building Code of Australia (BCA) expired. The purpose of the transition period was to provide stakeholders sufficient time to take into consideration the effect of the amendments on their planning and building requirements when contemplating future Read more about Bushfire construction requirements of the Building Code of Australia[…]
The transition period for compliance with bushfire standards is almost up
Tomorrow on 8 April 2016, the transition period for the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Amendment Regulations 2015 and Building Amendment Regulations (No. 3) 2015 to come into effect will expire and the legislation will come into full effect. Applications for building permits submitted before tomorrow for a relevant class of building in a Read more about The transition period for compliance with bushfire standards is almost up[…]
National Memorial Service to be held in honour of Fire and Emergency Services
WA BAL Report announces that the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) will hold a National Memorial Service in honour of Fire and Emergency Services workers and volunteers. The Service will be held on Friday 29 April 2016 at Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra, ACT to recognise the sacrifice and commitment of those Read more about National Memorial Service to be held in honour of Fire and Emergency Services[…]
Building Amendment Regulations 2016 relating to bushfires announced
The Western Australian Government has announced that the Building Amendment Regulations (2016), published in the Government Gazette today will come into operation on Friday, 8 April 2016. From 8 April 2016, the 4 month transition exemption for the application of the bushfire construction requirements of the Building Code to bushfire-prone areas will end. The Amendment Read more about Building Amendment Regulations 2016 relating to bushfires announced[…]
Bushfire Risk Management and Environmental Conservation
Often, bushfire-prone areas have a significant level of biodiversity, and WA BAL Report recognizes the importance of considering bushfire risk management measures alongside the need to protect the environment and biodiversity. Bushfire-prone areas that are also wetlands, foreshores, Bush Forever sites, remnant vegetation, threatened species and ecological communities, nature reserves and coastal reserves may be Read more about Bushfire Risk Management and Environmental Conservation[…]
Avoiding bulk green waste storage fires and preventing bushfires
WA BAL Report are experts in conducting bushfire attack level assessments and bushfire attack level reports for those living in bushfire-prone areas. However, if you live in a bushfire-prone area, it is likely you will be required to do more to protect yourself from bushfire risk. Bulk green waste storage fires can develop into bushfires. Read more about Avoiding bulk green waste storage fires and preventing bushfires[…]
Avoiding mulch fires and preventing bushfires
WA BAL Report are experts in conducting bushfire attack level assessments and bushfire attack level reports for those living in bushfire-prone areas. However, if you live in a bushfire-prone area, it is likely you will be required to do more to protect yourself from bushfire risk. Mulch fires are usually caused by discarded cigarettes under Read more about Avoiding mulch fires and preventing bushfires[…]
Avoiding crop fires and preventing bushfires
WA BAL Report are experts in conducting bushfire attack level assessments and bushfire attack level reports for those living in bushfire-prone areas. However, if you live in a bushfire-prone area, it is likely you will be required to do more to protect yourself from bushfire risk. Crop fires can start on farms during harvests due Read more about Avoiding crop fires and preventing bushfires[…]
Deadly bushfires cost insurers millions
WA BAL Report reports that the cost of 4 catastrophes that occurred in Australia over summer have cost insurance agencies more than half a billion dollars, according to the Insurance Council of Australia. There were 3 bushfires in South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia, as well as a tornado in New South Wales, racking up Read more about Deadly bushfires cost insurers millions[…]
Upcoming seminar on building in bushfire prone areas
The Building Commission and FPA Australia will hold seminars on construction requirements for building in bushfire-prone areas. The seminars are specifically targeted for building surveyors, permit authority officers, practitioners interested in bushfire construction requirements and other stakeholders. The seminars will be conducted on the following dates: Monday 4 April 2016 at 8:30am to 12:30pm (Perth) Read more about Upcoming seminar on building in bushfire prone areas[…]
Building Commission to hold seminar on bushfire standards for building industry
The Building Commission is conducting an update seminar for members of the building and construction industries. The purpose of the seminar is to canvas the upcoming changes and proposed amendments to the Building Regulations 2012 in relation to bushfires and swimming pool barriers. An overview of construction details in accordance with Australian Standards 3959, the Read more about Building Commission to hold seminar on bushfire standards for building industry[…]
Application process for bushfire-prone areas
WA BAL Report are experts at conducting bushfire attack level assessments and bushfire attack level reports to determine your site’s BAL Rating, which will identify the additional requirements that need to be met in building or developing on the site. Depending on the features of your site, the application process for building or redeveloping in designated bushfire-prone areas Read more about Application process for bushfire-prone areas[…]
How the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) identifies bushfire-prone areas
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) and the Office of Bushfire Risk Management (OBRM) prepares a map of bushfire-prone areas in Western Australia. The map identifies land which is subject to, or likely to be subject to, bushfire attack. This risk is based on the presence and proximity to bushfire-prone vegetation for the Read more about How the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) identifies bushfire-prone areas[…]
Factors affecting bushfire behaviour
WA BAL Report are experts in conducting bushfire attack level assessments and bushfire attack level reports. A bushfire attack level assessment report is important in determining your risk from bushfires and how to properly protect yourself from that risk. Although bushfires are inherently unpredictable, they do exhibit certain behaviours. Today WA BAL Report sheds some Read more about Factors affecting bushfire behaviour[…]
How to recover after being impacted by bushfire
WA BAL Report are experts in conducting bushfire attack level assessments and bushfire attack level reports for those living in bushfire-prone areas. However, unfortunately, when bushfires do strike, despite your best efforts, you may be negatively impacted. If your home has been damaged or destroyed by fire, it can be a difficult and daunting time, Read more about How to recover after being impacted by bushfire[…]
Bushfire Attack Level Contour Maps, Bushfire Hazard Level Assessments and Bushfire Management Plans
WA BAL Report are experts at preparing Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Assessment Reports, Bushfire Attack Level Contour Maps, Bushfire Hazard Level Assessments and Bushfire Management Plans. You may be familiar with bushfire attack level assessments and bushfire attack level reports. However, are you familiar with the other types of specialist bushfire work WA BAL Report Read more about Bushfire Attack Level Contour Maps, Bushfire Hazard Level Assessments and Bushfire Management Plans[…]
“Bushfire-proof homes” burnt down in Wye River and Separation Creek
WA BAL Report are committed to preventing loss of property and life from bushfires. This means conducting bushfire attack level assessment reports for those living in bushfire-prone areas. The importance of implementing proper housing design standards has been demonstrated after at least 5 bushfire-rated homes were destroyed in the bushfires in Wye River and Separation Read more about “Bushfire-proof homes” burnt down in Wye River and Separation Creek[…]
Understanding bushfire behaviour
WA BAL Report would like to explain fire behaviour in the hopes of better educating its clients to survive bushfire attack. There are thousands of bushfires in Western Australia every year, making our state one of the most bushfire prone areas in the world. Bushfires can start and take hold with no warning, and can quickly Read more about Understanding bushfire behaviour[…]
Prepare an emergency kit in the event of a bushfire
WA BAL Report is today discussing preparing an emergency survival kit which will be useful in the event of bushfires. WA BAL Report recommends that if you live in an area that is likely to be affected by bushfires, that you prepare an emergency survival kit, to prepare and protect your household. It is important to Read more about Prepare an emergency kit in the event of a bushfire[…]
Conducting controlled burning to reduce bush fire risk
WA BAL Report are committed to preventing loss of property and life from bushfires. This means conducting bushfire attack level assessment reports for those living in bushfire-prone areas. However, if you live in a bushfire-prone area, it is likely you will be required to do more to prepare yourself for a bushfire. Controlled, prescribed or Read more about Conducting controlled burning to reduce bush fire risk[…]
Total Fire Bans to avoid bushfires
WA BAL Report are committed to preventing loss of property and life from bushfires. This means conducting bushfire attack level assessment reports for those living in bushfire-prone areas. However, if you live in a bushfire-prone area, it is likely you will be required to do more to prepare yourself for a bushfire. From time to Read more about Total Fire Bans to avoid bushfires[…]
Deciding whether to stay and defend or leave early in the event of a bushfire
WA BAL Report understands that for many people living in bushfire-prone areas, their family home is their castle and they are highly motivated to defend it from bushfire. Your home may be a safe place in the event of a bushfire if it is well constructed, maintained and prepared. On the other hand, bushfires are Read more about Deciding whether to stay and defend or leave early in the event of a bushfire[…]
How to avoid your house catching fire – implement a Building Protection Zone
WA BAL Report are committed to preventing property damage and loss of life caused by bushfires. WA BAL Report recommends you have a BAL Assessment Report conducted of your property if you live in a bushfire-prone area. This will determine your BAL Rating and help you figure out the building requirements needed to be complied Read more about How to avoid your house catching fire – implement a Building Protection Zone[…]
Bushfire in Joondalup causes $200,000 damage
A bushfire in Joondalup on Monday 14 March 2016 has caused the evacuation of the ECU Joondalup campus and damaged 2 buildings. More than 500 people were evacuated from the university and a student accommodation and childcare centre buildings. It is alleged that the fire started when a camper in the Lake Joondalup Nature Reserve used a Read more about Bushfire in Joondalup causes $200,000 damage[…]
Your bushfire prevention calendar
WA BAL Report are committed to preventing loss of property and life from bushfires. This means conducting bushfire attack level assessment reports for those living in bushfire-prone areas. However, if you live in a bushfire-prone area, it is likely you will be required to do more to prepare yourself for a bushfire. You should take Read more about Your bushfire prevention calendar[…]
About the Fire Danger Ratings
WA BAL Report are committed to preventing loss of property and life from bushfires. This means conducting bushfire attack level assessment reports for those living in bushfire-prone areas. However, if you live in a bushfire-prone area, it is likely you will be required to do more to prepare yourself for a bushfire. The Department of Read more about About the Fire Danger Ratings[…]
Develop a bushfire survival plan
WA BAL Report recommends that, if you live in a bushfire-prone area, you have a bushfire attack level assessment report conducted of your property. However, it is important to go beyond that and prepare a bushfire survival plan, to be implemented when a bushfire threatens your home and family. Remember, the more prepared you are, Read more about Develop a bushfire survival plan[…]
Preparing your home for bushfire attack
WA BAL Report are committed to preventing loss of property and life from bushfires. WA BAL Report conducts bushfire attack level assessments and bushfire attack level reports to determine your bushfire attack level rating. However, if you live in a bushfire-prone area, it is likely you will be required to do more to prepare yourself Read more about Preparing your home for bushfire attack[…]
The Bushfire Planning and Design Accreditation Scheme
WA BAL Report are accredited under the Bushfire Planning and Design Accreditation (BPAD) Scheme. This is in relation to the conducting of Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Assessment Reports. The purpose of the scheme is to provide formal recognition of bushfire practitioners providing bushfire assessment, planning, design and advice services. Practitioners must meet criteria based on Read more about The Bushfire Planning and Design Accreditation Scheme[…]
How to survive a bushfire
WA BAL Report stresses the importance of having a BAL Assessment Report conducted on your property to determine the measures required to be implemented to protect your home and safeguard it from bushfires. In addition, WA BAL Report would like to share other information and advice on actions you can take to reduce the risk Read more about How to survive a bushfire[…]
Minor and Unavoidable developments in a bushfire-prone area
At WA BAL Report, in addition to getting queries from people wishing to propose a high-risk land use in a bushfire-prone area, we also get queries as to whether a proposed development in a bushfire-prone area is a minor development or an unavoidable development. This is relevant because minor and unavoidable developments are excluded from the Read more about Minor and Unavoidable developments in a bushfire-prone area[…]
Proposing a high-risk land use in a bushfire-prone area
At WA BAL Report, in addition to getting queries from people wishing to propose a vulnerable land use in a bushfire-prone area, we also get queries from people wishing to propose a high-risk land use in a bushfire-prone area. We can provide assistance and conduct the required assessments where you are applying for development of Read more about Proposing a high-risk land use in a bushfire-prone area[…]
Proposing a vulnerable land use in a bushfire-prone area
WA BAL Report specialise in conducting Bushfire Attack Level Assessments and Bushfire Attack Level Reports. At WA BAL Report, we get queries from people wishing to propose a vulnerable land use in a bushfire-prone area. We can provide assistance and conduct the required assessments where you are applying for development of a vulnerable land use Read more about Proposing a vulnerable land use in a bushfire-prone area[…]
Subdivision in bushfire prone areas
WA BAL Report specialise in conducting Bushfire Attack Level Assessments and Bushfire Attack Level Reports. At WA BAL Report, we get queries from people wanting to undertake subdivision on their property. We can provide assistance and conduct the required assessments where you are applying for subdivision in a bushfire-prone area. If a subdivision is designed Read more about Subdivision in bushfire prone areas[…]
Developing in bushfire prone areas
WA BAL Report specialise in conducting Bushfire Attack Level Assessments and Bushfire Attack Level Reports. At WA BAL Report, we get queries from people wanting to develop on their property. We can provide assistance and conduct the required assessments where you are applying for development approval in a bushfire-prone area. All development applications in bushfire-prone Read more about Developing in bushfire prone areas[…]
Joining Bushfire Ready
WA BAL Report are experts in conducting bushfire attack level assessments and bushfire attack level reports for those living in bushfire-prone areas. However, if you live in a bushfire-prone area, it is likely you will be required to do more to protect yourself from bushfire risk. WA BAL Report suggests you consider joining Bushfire Ready, Read more about Joining Bushfire Ready[…]
What is AS3959?
WA BAL Report are experts in conducting bushfire attack level assessments and bushfire attack level reports. WA BAL Report complies with the Australian Standards AS3959 for construction of homes in bushfire prone areas. The current version of AS3959 was released in 2009 after the devastation of the “Black Saturday” bushfires that killed 173 people and Read more about What is AS3959?[…]
Bushfire Risk Management Planning
WA BAL Report supports the initiative of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) and 16 high bushfire risk Local Governments across Western Australia in developing comprehensive Bushfire Risk Management (BRM) Plans. The purpose of the BRM Plans are to help to better protect communities and their assets from bushfire by identifying vulnerable communities, Read more about Bushfire Risk Management Planning[…]
Complying with AS3959 – how much will it cost?
WA BAL Report specialise in conducting Bushfire Attack Level Assessments and Bushfire Attack Level Reports. If you live in a bushfire-prone area, you may be required to comply with certain building and design standards under the Australian Standards (AS) 3959 based upon your BAL Rating. WA BAL Report can assist you with determining your BAL Read more about Complying with AS3959 – how much will it cost?[…]
Defining the bushfire attack level terms
WA BAL Report are committed to preventing loss of property and life from bushfires. WA BAL Report conducts bushfire attack level assessments and bushfire attack level reports to determine your bushfire attack level rating. However, WA BAL Report understands you may be unclear on what all the bushfire attack level terms mean. Today, WA BAL Read more about Defining the bushfire attack level terms[…]
More about the Bushfire Attack Levels
WA BAL Report are experts at BAL Assessments and BAL Reports. The purpose of a BAL Assessment Report is to calculate the BAL Rating of a property. The BAL Rating is used to determine the construction measures that are required to be implemented to ensure that the property is as well protected from bushfire attack Read more about More about the Bushfire Attack Levels[…]
BAL Exclusions – Clause 2.2.3.2
One of the aspects taken into account by WA BAL Report in conducting a BAL Assessment Report is the vegetation at the site. Generally, vegetation is classified by type into one of seven categories. These are forest, woodland, shrubland, scrub, mallee/mulga, rainforest and grassland. Different types of vegetation have different properties that affect their reaction Read more about BAL Exclusions – Clause 2.2.3.2[…]
What is a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Report?
WA BAL Report today sheds some light on the Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Assessment Report. A BAL Assessment Report is required for properties within moderate bushfire risk areas, known as Bushfire Prone Areas. Its purpose is to ensure that properties in Bushfire Prone Areas are adequately protected from and prepared for attack from bushfire. The Read more about What is a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Report?[…]
How we do bushfire attack level (BAL) Assessments
WA BAL Report are specialists at conducting bushfire attack level assessments and bushfire attack level reports. A BAL Assessment is a measure of a building’s potential exposure to ember attack, radiant heat and direct flame contact in the event of a bushfire. The purpose of the BAL Report is to provide a BAL Rating, which Read more about How we do bushfire attack level (BAL) Assessments[…]
Public Inquiry into the Waroona-Yarloop bushfires
An inquiry has been commenced into the bushfires that affected the Western Australia towns of Waroona, Yarloop and Harvey. The inquiry, headed up by former head of the Victorian Country Fire Authority Euan Ferguson, will begin an investigation into the fire, and the response by authorities handling the bushfire. The inquiry may involve the holding Read more about Public Inquiry into the Waroona-Yarloop bushfires[…]
WA starts to recover from bushfires
WA BAL Report is pleased to announce that the bushfires in Western Australia appear to have subsided, however there is still bushfire advice for areas in the Shires of Harvey and Waroona. The bushfires in south-western WA destroyed hundreds of homes. However, the Western Australian community has come together and raised $627,000 for the WA Read more about WA starts to recover from bushfires[…]
WA bushfires still blazing
WA BAL Report expresses sympathy for families that have lost their homes or loved ones in the bushfires in the southwest of Western Australia. The blaze, caused by a lightning strike, has already claimed two lives and burnt through more than 70,000 hectares. Firefighters are still battling the blazes, which have destroyed more than 160 homes Read more about WA bushfires still blazing[…]
AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF BUILDING SURVEYORS URGES OWNERS TO BE PROACTIVE ABOUT BUSHFIRE BUILDING REFORMS
The Western Australian State Government has recently announced building reforms to developments in bushfire-prone areas. The reforms have a wide-ranging impact on homeowners and the public, but the measures are necessary to prevent the loss of life and buildings from bushfires. A map of bushfire-prone areas has been released as part of the Planning and Read more about AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF BUILDING SURVEYORS URGES OWNERS TO BE PROACTIVE ABOUT BUSHFIRE BUILDING REFORMS[…]
BUSHFIRES STRIKE AUSTRALIA THIS SUMMER
WA BAL Report prompts homeowners to brace themselves as the bushfire season has struck the country hard this year, with bushfires gripping Victoria and Western Australia over the Christmas and new year period. Residents had to be evacuated on Christmas Day from the Victorian towns of Wye River, Separation Creek, Kennett River, Lorne and Grey Read more about BUSHFIRES STRIKE AUSTRALIA THIS SUMMER[…]
MOST OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA IS BUSHFIRE PRONE
Approximately 1 in every 5 houses will be required to meet new bushfire building standards from 8 April 2016. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has developed a Fire Danger Map, detailing areas of WA that are bushfire prone areas and are subject to bushfire building reforms. A home will be declared bushfire prone Read more about MOST OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA IS BUSHFIRE PRONE[…]
WA STATE GOVERNMENT IMPLEMENTS BUSHFIRE BUILDING REFORMS
Building reforms for bushfire-prone areas On 6 December 2015, the WA State Government implemented building reforms for new homes in bushfire areas of the state, with the goal of saving lives and protecting property. A cross governmental response implemented with the support of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), Building Commission, WA Planning Read more about WA STATE GOVERNMENT IMPLEMENTS BUSHFIRE BUILDING REFORMS[…]
IMPLEMENTATION OF BUSHFIRE REFORMS – UPDATE AND INFORMATION SESSIONS
The WA State Government recently announced the implementation of a finalised bushfire reform package. Guidelines for Organisations seeking to become accredited bodies in Western Australia have also been released, including details on accreditation for Level 2 Bushfire Planning Practitioner – Prescriptive (Level 2) and Level 3 Bushfire Planning Practitioner – Performance (Level 3). Under the Read more about IMPLEMENTATION OF BUSHFIRE REFORMS – UPDATE AND INFORMATION SESSIONS[…]
BUSHFIRE ATTACK LEVEL (BAL) ASSESSORS
WA Bushfire Accreditation Framework The WA State Government has announced that it is developing a professional bushfire consultant industry with the creation of an accreditation framework, the Western Australian Bushfire Accreditation Framework. Under the Framework, organisations can apply to offer an accreditation scheme for Level 1 BAL Assessors. The same scheme is planned to be Read more about BUSHFIRE ATTACK LEVEL (BAL) ASSESSORS[…]
INFORMATION SESSION ON ACCREDITATION AND TRAINING FOR LEVEL 1 BAL ASSESSORS
On 14 August 2015, the Department of Planning, the Office of Bushfire Risk Management (OBRM) and the Fire Protection Association Australia (FPA Australia) held an Information Session to provide an update on bushfire reforms and information on the first Level 1 Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Assessors’ accrediting body and training courses. Bushfire Reform Updates State Read more about INFORMATION SESSION ON ACCREDITATION AND TRAINING FOR LEVEL 1 BAL ASSESSORS[…]