A Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) certificate in Western Australia is an assessment report that measures a building's potential exposure to bushfire risks (ember attack, radiant heat, and flame contact). It is required for development applications in designated bushfire-prone areas to determine necessary construction materials and safety standards.
Purpose: The BAL rating helps determine the required construction, design, and building materials to better withstand bushfire hazards.
Categories: The assessment assigns one of six ratings: BAL-Low (very low), BAL-12.5 (low), BAL-19 (moderate), BAL-29 (high), BAL-40 (very high), or BAL-FZ (Flame Zone).
When Required: A BAL assessment is necessary when building new homes, renovating, or building certain structures (like carports) on land designated as bushfire-prone.
Assessment Factors: Accredited assessors calculate the rating based on vegetation type, slope, weather, and proximity to fire hazards.
Validity: The report is generally valid for 12 months, as environmental changes can affect the risk level.
The assessment is mandated for building approvals in WA to ensure compliance with Australian Standard AS 3959.
In Western Australia, "Bushfire Prone" areas are locations designated by the Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner as having a high likelihood of being impacted by bushfires, usually due to proximity to bushland (within 100 metres). These areas, mapped by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), are subject to stricter planning and building regulations (including AS 3959) to enhance safety.
Definition: Areas covered by or within 100 meters of bushfire-prone vegetation (e.g., forests, woodlands, heaths, or plantations).
Impact on Development: Land within these zones requires a bushfire risk assessment, often determining a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating, which dictates construction standards to improve resilience.
Mapping: The official, legally binding map is available on the WA government website.
Regulations: Properties in these areas must comply with State Planning Policy 3.7: Bushfire (SPP 3.7) for building, renovations, and subdivisions.
Designation as a bushfire-prone area indicates a higher potential for ember attacks and direct fire, necessitating specific mitigation measures.