LibGuides: Building design (Architectural): Bushfire attack level

Standards online

AS 3959 Construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas can be accessed via the link below:

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Image

Wood, c1927, House destroyed by bushfire, NSW. Flickr (Public domain)

Online resources

Essential Bushfire Safety Tips by Joan Webster
Call Number: eBook
ISBN: 9780643107816
Publication Date: 2012
What to do when bushfire threatens

Steel framed construction in bushfire area
Nash standard

Buildings and fire protection - websites

Alternative solutions - fire compliance guides
Solutions for gaining fire regulation compliance timber structures, facades and linings. From Wood Solutions
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From Wood Solutions
BAL Bushfire Calculator V2.1
Online bushfire calculator, based on the methods covered in AS 3959. From Wood Solutions
Building in bushfire prone areas
Information on high risk areas, construction standards and more from the Department of Planning and Community Development
Bushfire verification method
The ABCBs non-mandatory handbook explains the Bushfire Verification Method set out in the NCC.
Fire test results
A series of fire test results for wood products, from Wood Solutions. You need to register to access these reports but this is free to do.
A guide to doors and windows in bushfire prone areas
From the Australian Windows Association.
Performance standard for private bushfire shelters
Non mandatory handbook from the Australian Building Codes Board
Planning and Bushfire Management Overlay
Advice and resources from the CFA
Plan Victoria
Check whether an address is within a bushfire overlay area.
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From the Department of Environment, Land Water and Planning
Bushfire areas and overlays (BAL-FZ)
Technical design guide: Building with timber in bushfire-prone areas
From Wood Solutions, Register for a free account for access.

Bushfires - online videos

Bushfire season
2019 clip from the ABC's Behind the News
Fighting fire with fire
Catalyst video from 2009 examining the effects of prescribed burning

DVDs in the Library

Bushfire special by Catalyst, ABC TV
Call Number: VC 363.379 BUS
Publication Date: 2009
Canberra firestorm video by Karina Kelly
Call Number: VC 634.96180 CAN
Publication Date: 2003
Forecast for disaster: the weather behind Black Saturday by David Alrich
Call Number: VC 551.6994 FOR
Publication Date: 2011
Grand designs Australia. Series 1 DVD by Peter Maddison
Call Number: VC 782.0994 GRA
Publication Date: 2011
Includes an episode on building a house in a bushfire prone area.

Print materials in the Library

Bushfires pamphlets by Building Commission of Victoria
Call Number: 693.820994 BUI
Publication Date: 201?
A Future in Flames by Danielle Clode
Call Number: 634.9618 CLO
ISBN: 9780522857238
Publication Date: 2010
Houses for bushfire-prone sites by Cement and Concrete Aggregates Australia
Call Number: 693.820994 HOU
Publication Date: 2005
Brick houses in bushfire-prone areas by Brick Development Research Institute
Call Number: 693.82 BRI
Publication Date: 1985
Fire safety of concrete buildings by Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia
Call Number: 693.82 FIR
Publication Date: 2010

How do I design for a bushfire prone area?

CSIRO's Justin Leonard, leader of their Bushfire Taskforce and the CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems' Bushfire Urban Design project, shares practical advice on designing to reduce the risk of fire damage. From Light Home

Bushfires and weather patterns - websites

Bureau of Meteorology - bushfire weather
Information on the types of weather patterns that lead to high fire danger, and their occurrence across Australia.
CSIRO - bushfires
Warnings and restrictions
Current fire incidents in Victoria from Vic Emergency