Bushfire Smart

🔍 When Do You Need a BAL Assessment?

If you plan to build in Western Australia, understanding when a BAL assessment is required can save you time, money, and headaches.

🏡 You only need a BAL assessment if your property is within a Bushfire Prone Area, as designated by the DFES Commissioner.

Here’s how to check:
1. Visit the Bushfire Prone Map - https://lnkd.in/gS3cPReR
2. Enter your property address
3. If the site is shaded pink, it’s bushfire-prone—and a BAL assessment is likely required.

🚫 If your proposed building footprint is entirely outside the pink-shaded area (even if other parts of the lot are inside), then:
> A BAL assessment may not be necessary
> Bushfire construction standards may not apply

✅ Tip: Always confirm early, especially before you submit to council or finalise designs.

Still unsure? Send us your site plan and we’ll check for you—free of charge.

🔨 Owner-Builder? Here’s When You’ll Need a BAL or BMP
Planning to build your own home in a bushfire-prone area? Understanding the bushfire assessment process early can save you time, money, and stress later.

Here’s what you need to know:

🏠 BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) Assessment
You’ll need a BAL if:
• Your site is shown in pink on the WA Bushfire Prone Map
• You’re applying for a building licence application (building permit)
• You’re building on a small residential lot with no further planning approvals

The BAL tells you what construction standards (AS 3959) your home needs to meet. It’s best to get this before finalising your build plans, so you can design accordingly.

📘 BMP (Bushfire Management Plan)
Required for planning approvals when your lot ticks any of the following:
• Is over 1,100 m²
• Likely involves vegetation clearing
• Has no mains water
• Is part of a subdivision or change of land use

BMPs are more detailed and must respond to planning policies like SPP 3.7. They’re often required before you can lodge a DA (Development Application) or subdivision request.

🎯 Tip: Engage a bushfire consultant early—ideally before submitting to council or locking in your builder. We’ll identify the right report, any red flags, and help smooth your project pathway.

Need help figuring out what you need and when? Get in touch with your plans—we’re happy to advise at no charge.

🔷 New Look, Same Trusted Team! 🔷

We’re excited to reveal our new logo and refreshed branding — a fresh look to reflect our growth, while staying true to our mission of serving communities across Western Australia since 2015.

We've made some much-needed upgrades behind the scenes too — including a brand-new website!
👉 Check it out here: https://www.bushfiresmart.com.au/

We still offer a full suite of bushfire consulting services across WA, including Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) Assessments, Bushfire Management Plans (BMPs), Bushfire Emergency Plans (BEPs), and more. Whether you're building a new home, subdividing land, or needing support through the planning process, our team is here to help.

Looking for guidance? Our handy Resources page on the website is packed with useful information, or you can reach out to us directly at [email protected] & (08) 9555 9444.

Thanks for being part of our journey.

Have you ever wondered how a BAL Rating will affect the building costs of your next project?? Read our latest article explaining the relationship between BAL level and building costs:

How will a BAL Rating affect my House? - Bushfire Smart How will a BAL Rating affect my So you are building a house in a Bushfire Prone area and now you are wondering what that may mean for the future of your home or project. How much will it cost and what changes do you need to make? If you haven’t already done so, you…

Reviews like these make us warm and fuzzy inside 🥰

Want to see what everyone is talking about? Contact us today for an obligation free quote or ask us about any BAL questions - we are always happy to help!