Get AU VBA Bushfire Attack Level Assessment Report 2020-2024

All new homes constructed in a BPA must be built to a minimum BAL 12.5 to help withstand ember attack. This includes sealing roofs, sealing around doors and windows, and screening windows. Higher construction levels may be required as determined by the site BAL assessment.

There are only a few differences between the two. From a product perspective, building materials built with a BAL-FZ rating are generally made from steel. Materials built to a BAL-40 or lower measure are generally made from aluminium.

This level is the expected amount of heat that will impact the proposed dwelling in the event of a bushfire and is expressed as values of Low, 12.5, 19, 29, 40 or Flame Zone. The BAL rating on your particular block of land will influence the method and materials used to construct your home.

What is a bushfire rating and what are the rules all about? Once your home is assessed and given a BAL rating. There are six levels. BAL Low, BAL 12.5, BAL 19, BAL 29, BAL 40, and BAL FZ.

A site assessment can be made by an owner, architect, building designer, building surveyor or builder to ascertain its BAL, which determines the construction methods that must be used. The construction methods must be included on the design documents lodged for a building permit.

BAL - 12.5 Primarily risk of ember attack; risk of radiant heat is considered low.

BAL 40 carries all the risks of BAL 29 except that the risk of exposure to flames is now significantly increased. Construction requirements include using materials that are highly resistant to flames.

Step one Determine your Fire Danger Index (FDI) Step two Determine your site's vegetation types. Step three Determine the distance from the site to the vegetation. Step four Determine the slope of the land under the vegetation. Step five Determine the BAL.