Fire transitions across urban boundaries

Fire transitions across urban boundaries - identifying from analysis of historical fire events the modes by which fires in particular fuel types transition into urban fires that then directly impact houses, structures and people.

This research is being undertaken for the Victorian Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI).

Project Brief

This project will deliver an integral component in the overall new Fire Danger Rating System that will identify from analysis of historical fire events the predominant modes by which fires in particular fuel types transition into urban fires which then directly impact houses, structures and people. This component will provide the bridge between the proposed Fire Behaviour Index and the Fire Damage Index.

This projects aims to:

• to identify the broad fire behaviour factors that influence bushfire hazard through the reconstruction and analysis of past bushfire events from around Australia; and
• to provide an initial framework for better understanding and modelling the mechanisms that determine fire spread and damage in urban environments.

The project will provide DEPI and DPCD with:

• an interim report describing initial analysis, result and implications for fuel hazard mapping and for National Fire Danger Rating;
• technical support and input into summary report of potential planning and policy implications arising from Victorian and national user forums;
• a report describing mechanism and thresholds for transition of bushfires into urban environments; and
• a range of communications materials, including briefs and presentations- to keep partners and stakeholders informed.