Forest Fire Danger Index

Learn about the Fire Danger Index (FDI)

FFDI provides a measure of the potential danger of a bushfire on a given day and location.

Most Australians are familiar with the Fire Danger Ratings posted on roadsides across the country. These warning signs show the potential fire danger on the given day at the posted location. These Fire Danger Ratings are based on the Forest Fire Danger Index.

The Forest Fire Danger Index (developed by CSIRO scientist, A. G. McArthur) combines a measure of vegetation dryness with air temperature, wind speed and humidity. If you add the daily FDI values over a year for a location, you get what is called the annual accumulated FDI.

The average annual accumulated FDI for the states and territories are set out in AS 3959:2018 and are listed in the table below for easy access. These FDI values may be used when you calculate your Bushfire Attack Level.

The Fire Danger Rating system used in Australia, ranging from low-moderate risk to catastrophic risk

The Fire Danger Rating (FDR) system in Australia

Average annual accumulated FDI across Australia

State or Territory	Region	Fire Danger Index*
Australian Capital Territory	All	100
New South Wales	Alpine areas	50
	Greater Hunter, Greater Sydney, Illawara, Far South Coast and Southern ranges	100
	New South Wales (excluding alpine areas and the Greater Hunter, Greater Sydney, Illawarra/Shoalhaven, Far South Coast and Southern Ranges)	80
Northern Territory	All	40
Queensland	All	40
South Australia	All	80
Tasmania	All	50
Victoria	Alpine areas	50
	Victoria (excluding alpine areas)	100
Western Australia	All	80

*These values were provided by the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council. Alpine and sub-alpine areas are defined as per the National Construction Code. The FDI at your location can be refined in consultation with a relevant regulatory authority if local climate data can be provided.