Information response MCU13/0030

        Step s: Field verification

A,.20 Preliminary busbfire hazard maps should be prepared based on the results of Step 4 above
        by aggregating all sub-units with similar levels ofbushfue hazard severity into High and
        Medium severity classifications.46 Field verification or ’ground truthing’ of these
        preliminary results should then be undertaken. A number of sample areas should be
        evaluated to test the accuracy ofthe preliminary bushfue hazard findings.


        Step 6: QuaUtative assessment

A3.21 Known bushfue behaviour complements the quantitative assessment and should be
        considered as part ofthe qualitative review.


A3.22 Known busb:fire behaviour is extremely difficult to use as a quantitative planning too1.
        This is because the absence ofbushfrre. even for an extended period of time. does not
        mean that an area will not burn and may lead to massive fuel accumulation with dangerous

        bushfire behaviour ifit does ignite. Known bushfire behaviour may identify sites where
        combinations of slope and wind have led to severe bushfire behaviour in the past, and
        where extra precautions to protect assets might be required. The reliability ofknown
        bushfire behaviour may be difficult to assess and QFRS should be consulted if problems
        are indicated.



        Step 7: Safety buffers

A3.23 The final step in identifying bushfire hazard areas is to add a safety buffer, as land
         adjacent to bushfire hazard areas is vulnerable to bushfue attack from these areas.

A3.24 Any ijrnd within 100 metres of an area identified as having a High bushfire severity
      classification should be included in the High bushfue hazard area and any land within 50
      metres of an area identified as having a Medium bushfrre severity classification should be
         included in the Medium bushfire hazard area.47 The safety buffers should be integrated
         into the preparation ofmaps identifying bushfue hazard areas. Table A3.S shows the
         width ofthe safety buffers that apply to the various bushfire hazard severity
         classifications.


         Table A3.5: Total hazard sco.re and severity-of bushfire hazard with safety buffers

              Total h:lIard scor~                Sc\cl"it:, of bushl re                         \\’idth (It
                                                          hazard                           saf(,t~ hu ffl’l’
                                                                         ..
                                                                                                               -



                   13or great r                           High                              100 metres
                     6 to 12.5                           Mediuni                                50metres
                      1 to 5.5                             Low                            Not applicable




 46
      Areas ofLow bushfue hazard severity may also be mapped, but the natural h~d management area (bushfire)for the

      purposes ofthe SPP comprises only areas identified as being of High or Medium severity.
 47
      S~etbuffer areas on the boWldaxy between High and Medium bushfire severity areas should be included in the High
      bushfire severity area.




 spp Guideline 1103                                                                                            June 2003
                                                               48