Bushfire Attack Level Assessment (BAL) Report

Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Assessment: What You Need to Know

A Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Assessment, also known as a BAL Report, evaluates the risk of ember attack, radiant heat, and direct flame exposure that a building may face during a bushfire.

 

Purpose of a BAL Report

The primary goal of a BAL Report is to outline the necessary construction requirements that enhance the safety of a building and its occupants in the event of a bushfire.

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How the Assessment is Conducted

The assessment follows the Australian Standard for Construction of Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas (AS 3959:2018). It considers several factors, including the Relevant Fire Danger Index (FDI), the type of vegetation and landscape within 100 meters of your property, and the proximity of vegetation to the building. A mandatory site inspection is carried out to assess the vegetation and landscape of the subject allotment. 

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What are the different Bushfire Attack Levels?

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BAL - LOW: A very low risk of exposure to heat and embers. The building regulations require all new works to be built to a minimum BAL 12.5 rating. 

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BAL - 12.5: This low risk rating means there could be exposure to heat up to 12.5kW per square metre, along with a risk of embers and burning debris starting fires. 

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BAL - 19: There is an increased risk of ember attacks, windborne debris, and radiant heat between 12.5 kW per square metre, and 19kW per square metre.

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BAL - 29: There is a higher risk of ember attacks, windborne debris, and radiant heat between 19kW per square metre, and 29kW per square metre.

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BAL - 40: There is an even higher risk of ember attacks, windborne debris, and radiant heat between 29kW per square metre, and 40kW per square metre, with a likely chance of flame exposure from the fire front. 

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BAL - FZ: Direct exposure to flames, radiant heat and embers from the fire front. ​

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Why do I need a BAL report?

All properties within a bushfire prone area (BPA) require a bushfire assessment prior to the construction of a new building. Once your BAL Report is completed, it becomes a crucial document for your building project;

 

• Design: Your building designer or architect will refer to the BAL Report to determine the appropriate building materials.

• Construction: Your builder will use the report to ensure that all necessary bushfire protection measures are incorporated into the construction.

• Approval: Your building surveyor will require the BAL Report to issue a building permit.

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