Bushfire Awareness and Safety for Hikers

Bushfire is one of the few hazards on an Australian hike where waiting for certainty before you act can be the wrong call, because conditions can shift faster than an official alert reaches you. What follows is organised around when you actually need each part of it: what to check before you leave, what to watch for once you’re out there, what to do if a fire actually reaches you, and what’s still dangerous once it’s passed.

Before You Go

Check the Fire Danger Rating (FDR) for the specific region you’re heading into and understand what each level actually means for your plans, not just the label:

• Moderate: Low risk but remain alert. Know your exits.
• High: Reassess your route and timing. Shorten or modify if in fire-prone terrain.
• Extreme: Leave the area the night before or early in the morning. Avoid remote and one-way-in terrain.
• Catastrophic: Do not hike in bushfire-prone terrain. No exceptions.

Fire Danger Ratings may not be published until 5pm the afternoon before, so build that into your planning routine for any early-start or overnight hike.

You also need to know whether a Total Fire Ban or other fire restriction applies, because rules for campfires and cooking appliances vary between states, territories and land managers. Some jurisdictions permit certain gas or electric cooking appliances during a Total Fire Ban or fire ban if strict conditions are met, while others prohibit their use in parks and reserves. Always check the current restrictions for the area you are visiting before you leave. For hikers in bushfire-prone terrain, the simplest and safest approach on a Total Fire Ban day is to plan food that does not require cooking. See our guide to hiking stove fuel options for the full state-by-state breakdown.

While you’re still planning, identify at least one safer place along your route, an open clearing, rocky area with minimal fuel, or large water body, where you could shelter if fire behaviour changes. Knowing this in advance means you are making that decision calmly, not under pressure. If part of that plan relies on carrying water to such a spot, think about what you’re carrying it in: a condom can hold water in a pinch, but for a bushfire emergency you want something more robust. A wine bladder or heavy-duty bottle is a better choice for storing water you might actually depend on, without the risk of it popping on a sharp twig.

It’s also worth downloading the relevant fire danger and emergency apps for your state (e.g., Fires Near Me for NSW, VicEmergency for VIC). However, remember that these apps rely on mobile reception, and many remote areas may have limited or no coverage. Always have an offline map as a backup, and consider carrying an AM radio as well, its signals can penetrate areas where mobile networks fail.

Reading the Trail

Once you’re out there, stay alert to smoke drifting across the sky or an increase in temperature, either can indicate a nearby fire. Wind direction matters too: it can carry embers far from the original fire, so pay attention to shifting winds, as fire can quickly spread in unpredictable directions. Terrain is part of the same picture. Fires move faster uphill than downhill because they gain speed on slopes through the chimney effect, so ridges and peaks are worth avoiding, moving across or downhill instead whenever you can.

If you see smoke or sense danger, don’t wait for an official alert. In remote areas, fire can outpace mobile updates, so if it looks or smells dangerous, leave immediately.

This is also where your clothing choice matters. Wear natural fibre clothing (wool, cotton) rather than synthetics, which can melt and cause serious burns. Consider packing an emergency blanket or fire-resistant shelter as well, which can protect you in an emergency.

If a Fire Reaches You

If you find yourself in the path of a bushfire, your response needs to be quick and decisive. Move to a ‘low fuel’ area if you can: rock outcrops, large bodies of water, or previously burnt ground (the “black”) have already burned and provide no fuel for the fire. Don’t try to outrun it uphill to get there. Fires generally spread faster uphill, and as a rule of thumb, a fire’s rate of spread can approximately double for every 10-degree increase in upslope, although actual fire behaviour also depends on wind, fuel, moisture and other conditions. If you need to move away from a fire, terrain and conditions must guide your escape route rather than relying on this rule alone.

Most bushfire fatalities occur due to radiant heat, not the flames themselves, which is why the clothing you chose before setting out matters here: cover all exposed skin with natural fibres such as wool or cotton. Solid objects block radiant heat, a rock face, embankment, large log, or depression in the ground can provide meaningful protection even when flames are close. If possible, dig a shallow trench in a cleared area and lie face down, covering your face with a damp cloth. This will protect your lungs from inhaling superheated air and smoke, the same reason a damp cloth is worth keeping handy generally, to cover your nose and mouth and filter ash and protect your airway even outside of using the trench. Your emergency blanket earns its place here too: it’s mainly there for warmth, but it can also help reflect radiant heat when a fire is actually close.

Avoid shallow water or small tanks, as the heat can still be lethal. Seek out deeper pools or large, open spaces for shelter instead.

After the Fire Passes

The danger doesn’t end when the fire does. Burnt areas can remain dangerous long after a fire has passed: fire-damaged trees and branches may fall without warning, ground can become unstable or eroded, and underground roots, peat or other material may continue to smoulder. Follow park closures and warnings, and do not enter recently burnt areas until the relevant land manager has declared them safe.

That’s really the judgement call underneath everything above. Given the heightened risk of bushfires in Australia, opt for day walks only during peak summer months, particularly in areas known for their bushfire risk. If conditions are extreme, cancel your hike rather than push on. The Australian bush will always be there, so there’s no real cost to waiting for a better day.

Explore related guides

• What is a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)? – Your primary lifeline when mobile coverage fails during an emergency.
• Satellite Communicators Compared – Understanding the difference between 1-way beacons and 2-way messaging.
• How to Signal for Help – Critical techniques for using whistles and mirrors to alert rescuers.
• UHF Radios for Hiking – Using radio frequencies to stay informed and communicate in the bush.