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New bushfire construction resources for practitioners and homeowners
HIA’s Guide to building in bushfire-prone areas expands on the regulatory framework applying to the design and construction of buildings, how to apply the standard to common materials, upgrade advice, and a summary of state and territory legislation and obligations.
The guide provides practical guidance to assist with using the standard in determining a site’s Bushfire Attack Level (BAL), including how to assess vegetation, measure distance to surrounding vegetation, calculate effective slope and apply the relevant Fire Danger Index (FDI).
It breaks down the BAL assessment process step by step to help builders and designers better understand how site conditions directly influence construction requirements.
It also includes clear summaries of construction requirements for different BAL ratings, with practical guidance on building elements such as roofs, walls, windows, doors, subfloors and attached structures.
With worked examples, quick-reference tables and state-by-state legislative summaries, the guide is designed to help builders and designers using the standard navigate bushfire compliance with greater confidence and reduce the risk of costly errors during design, approval and construction.
The guide must be read in conjunction with AS 3959:2018 Construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas, which provides the minimum standards for Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) adopted through the National Construction Code (NCC).
Standards Australia handbooks
For those building or living in bushfire‑prone areas, there is now practical guidance to help make homes safer and more resilient before, during and after a bushfire.
Standards Australia has released two new Bushfire Construction Handbooks that can be used by building practitioners and homeowners.
- SA HB 208.1:2026 provides information to assist users to correctly design, construct and maintain buildings and property based on AS 3959 for construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas.
- SA HB 208.2:2026 is a free download which provides information that assists homeowners in reducing bushfire risk to their homes and property.
As a representative on the Australian Standards committee FP-020, HIA was instrumental in the development of these important resources.
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The above is intended to provide general information in summary form. The content does not constitute specific advice and should not be relied upon as such. Formal advice should be sought by members and customers with respect to particular matters before taking action.
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