Bushfire Report · MCU26/0104

Bushfire Report


It should be noted the Building Code of Australia only requires Classes 1, 2 and 3
and certain Class 9 buildings and Class 10a building associated with those buildings
to comply with the bushfire provisions of the NCC 2022.

   5.3.3 Access and Evacuation Arrangement

Developments in bushfire prone areas should be serviced by safe access/exit points
for both site personnel and emergency services personnel in the event of an
emergency. The local council’s Bushfire Hazard Overlay Code prescribes
appropriate access for fire management an evacuation to be provided as below:

   ▪   Do not exceed an average gradient of 12.5%
   ▪   Have a minimum width of 4 m and 6 m of vegetation clearing, can be up to 10
       m.
   ▪   Have a minimum of 4.8 m vertical clearance
   ▪   Accommodate turning areas for fire-fighting appliances in accordance with
       Qld Fire and Emergency Services’ Fire Hydrant and Vehicle Access
       Guidelines
   ▪   Passing bays for firefighting appliances are 20 m long by 3 m wide, with a
       minimum trafficable width of 7m at the passing bay
   ▪   Reversing bays for firefighting appliances are 6 m wide and 8.5 m deep to any
       gates, meeting above turning requirements
   ▪   Passing bays or turning intervals located every 200 m with a maximum grade
       of 5%
   ▪   Compacted driveway to ensure all weather surfaces

The proposed development will provide with vehicular access that enables safe
evacuation for occupants and easy access by firefighting appliances. Consequently,
the proposed development is in compliance with the Council Bushfire Hazard
Overlay.

   5.3.4 Water Supply

It is noted that AS 3959:2018 – Construction of buildings in bushfire prone areas
does not include requirements for water supply for firefighting purposes; nor is water
supply a factor in determining a building’s Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating.
Accordingly, the building certifier should not impose conditions on the building
approval relating to water supply for firefighting purposes, unless such conditions are
required under a development permit issued by the local council or are specified in
the applicable local planning scheme.

An adequate supply of water is essential for firefighting purposes and suitable water
supply arrangements shall be provided. The proposed development should provide
an appropriate water supply to support effective emergency services response
includes reticulated water and/or appropriate static water supply.

   (1) If the development is serviced by public fire hydrant, this is considered an
       accepted solution, as the infrastructure is maintained by the local authority
Max Bushfire Protection Consulting                                               39