Bushfire Attack Level or BAL is a method for rating the intensity of a locations potential exposure to bushfire. Identifying the Bushfire Attack Level around your property can help you site a new structure or better manage an existing one.
BAL assessment – Bushfire best practice guide (csiro.au) is the link for the csiro that explains this in full.
While important, BAL (calculated using any method) should be thought of as a relative estimate of the potential exposure on your property, rather than a precise measurement. It’s important to understand that for development in the Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO) your council’s Planning Scheme in many instance will set minimum requirements for you BAL and defendable space which will need to be incorporated into you planning permit application.
BAL-40 |
29 – 40 |
Increasing levels of ember attack, burning debris and radiant heat up to a level of 40 kW/m2. Flames from the bushfire front may intermittently contact the house. |
BAL-FZ |
≥ 40 |
Increasing levels of ember attack, burning debris and radiant heat in excess of 40 kW/m2. Flames from the bushfire front are likely to engulf part or all of the house. |