Lessons from NSW RFS trialo of the Australian Fire Danger Rating System

The Fire Danger Rating System is the cornerstone of community warnings, messaging and preparedness, fire agency operational readiness and decision-making. It reflects the legislative controls over activities that could potentially cause the ignition of fires. The system underpins decision-making by private enterprise and other 'non-combat' government agencies and departments. It is critical that fire danger ratings are readily understood, appropriate and accurate. The science that underpins the system hasn't changed in more than 50 years. A new Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS) provides the framework to significantly improve the way fire danger is calculated and communicated in Australia. During the bushfire season of 2021-22, the NSW Rural Fire Service trialled the AFDRS alongside the existing McArthur-based Fire Danger Rating System. Due to decreased fire activity during the 2021-22 fire season, live trials were supplemented with retrospective analysis. Several insights were gained as well as lessons learnt about how fire danger should be calculated and determined. The NSW Southern Operational Trial highlighted the quality of work and progress made so far in building the AFDRS. Although ongoing adjustments to the systems and the Fire Behaviour Index may be required, the trial found the AFDRS is fit-for-purpose and shows clear advantages over the previous system. This paper outlines operational testing undertaken in NSW.