BAL Assessment

Bushfire Attack Level Assessments (BAL)

With more than 9 years of experience in building design and over 6 years as a dedicated volunteer firefighter in the local community, we are uniquely positioned to conduct Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessments. Our combined expertise in both building design and fire safety allows us to offer a thorough understanding of bushfire risks, ensuring that properties are designed to meet the highest safety standards in bushfire-prone areas. We bring a practical and informed approach to every assessment, considering both structural and environmental factors to create resilient solutions for our clients.

What is a Bushfire Prone Area?

Bushfire-prone areas are areas identified as being at risk of bushfire attack. These areas are characterized by the presence of bushfire-prone vegetation and their proximity to it. This includes both the area where the vegetation exists and a 100-meter buffer zone around it.

If a bushfire-prone area partially covers a piece of land, the entire parcel is considered to be within a bushfire-prone area.

Am I Located in a Bushfire Prone Area?

We are experts in determining whether your property is situated within a bushfire prone area. We know the local government and state government requirements.

You can always contact your local government to determine whether your property is situated within a bushfire prone area and the required approval process to ensuring the planning process for your property and building is undertaken appropriately.

Do I need a Bushfire Attack Level Assessment?

If the bushfire hazard overlay partially covers a parcel of land, the local and state government guidelines may treat the entire parcel as a bushfire prone area.

If the parcel is deemed to be a bushfire prone area, you will require a BAL assessment to be undertaken for Development Approval.

What is a BAL?

A BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) Assessment is an evaluation used to measure the a building’s potential exposure to radiant heat, ember attack and direct flame contact.

A BAL is used as the basis to establish construction requirements to help improve the protection of a building against elements of a bushfire attack as per Australian Standard AS 3959-2018 Construction of Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas.

Once an assessment is undertaken, the building, property or asset will be assigned one of the six BAL Ratings.

What are the BAL Ratings?

A BAL rating is measured in increments of radiant heat, expressed in kilowatts/m2.

• BAL LOW: There is insufficient risk, no specific construction requirements required.

• BAL 12.5: Potential for ember attack.

• BAL 19: Increasing levels of ember attack and burning debris ignited by windborne embers together with increasing heat flux.

• BAL 29: Increasing levels of ember attack and burning debris ignited by windborne embers together with increasing heat flux.

• BAL 40: Increasing levels of ember attack and burning debris ignited by windborne embers together with increasing heat flux with the increased likelihood of direct contact with flames.

• BAL FZ: Direct exposure to flames from fire front in addition to heat flux and ember attack.

What is a Bushfire Management Plan?

Bushfire Management Plans (BMPs) are comprehensive strategies used to assess the level of bushfire risk to a development. They go beyond the scope of Bushfire Attack Levels (BALs), considering factors such as climate, topography, fuel loads, adjacent land use, both onsite and offsite assets, water supply, emergency vehicle access, escape routes, fire history, and current fire risk. BMPs also outline short, medium, and long-term strategies for managing bushfire risks in a specific area.