Bushfires, also called wildfires, are any uncontrolled fires burning in a forest, woodland, scrub or grassland. They are common in Australia due to hot and dry weather and can cause natural disasters.
Bushfires can happen at any time in Australia, though some areas are at higher risk at specific times of the year. It's important to be prepared all year round.
Bushfires may become more frequent and intense in the future due to climate change, putting more people at risk.
Bushfire risk is the chance of a fire starting, spreading and causing harm to people, property and infrastructure. If you live, work or travel near bushland, grassland or farmland, you could be at risk of a bushfire.
Even if you aren't close, you could still be in danger because embers from a bushfire can travel many kilometres. Many houses are damaged during a fire because embers travel from fires elsewhere.
It's important to know your level of bushfire risk so you can prepare your property, protect your health and know what to do if a fire starts. Your local council or fire service can tell you if you or your home is at risk of bushfire.
Video provided by The Bureau of Meteorology (Opens in new tab)
To prepare for a bushfire, you should:
Your local rural fire service has information about preparing for a bushfire on its website. Planning ahead is especially important if you are responsible for other people.
Your state or territory fire service will keep you informed about local fire conditions, danger ratings and warnings:
If there is a bushfire near you:
You can also check your council's website or social media pages.
You may be at higher risk during a bushfire, if you have a health condition such as:
You are more at risk during a bushfire if you:
If you are at risk and need to go outdoors, wear a 'P2' face mask, available from chemists and hardware stores. Make sure it's fitted correctly (Opens in new tab), with a tight seal around the mouth and nose. Do not smoke or use candles or incense sticks during a bushfire.
If you or someone in your care has limited mobility, a disability or a medical condition, include these needs when preparing for a bushfire. Make sure to leave early if there is a high fire danger, so you have plenty of time to get out safely. Use the Bushfires: Preparing to leave early plan (Opens in new tab).
Ask yourself these questions when making your bushfire safety plan:
If you leave without your prescriptions or medicines (Opens in new tab), or if they are lost, try one of these options:
Keep your doctor's information handy for these situations. If your doctor or medical centre doesn't offer telehealth consultations, use the healthdirect Service Finder to find a provider. You can also visit a virtual care clinic for illnesses or injuries that are urgent but not life-threatening.
Bushfire smoke can cause a range of problems, including:
Many of these problems can be serious. If you have any symptoms, speak to your doctor. If your symptoms are severe or getting worse, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
Tips to manage your health and stay cool during hot weather:
If in doubt, speak with your doctor.
Read more on hot weather risks and staying cool and how to handle a heatwave.
These services provide advice and support to people affected by bushfires:
If you have experienced a bushfire and need support following a crisis, there are resources that can help:
You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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Last reviewed: August 2025
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