01/04/2026
Ever wondered how the Fire Danger Rating is worked out ? (That’s those pretty coloured wheel like signs you see everywhere now on the side of main roads 😜)
It’s not just someone sitting in an office wondering which colour they’ll choose today. There’s actually a whole bunch of science behind it. All calculated to help assist public safety. We won’t bore you with it all but this bit is interesting 🤔
One of the keys elements used in the science of fire behaviour, being carefully watched at the moment, is the KBDI or Keetch-Byram Drought Index.
The KBDI is an estimate of the soil moisture deficit, which is the amount of water necessary to bring the soil moisture to its full capacity. A high soil moisture deficit (up to 203) means there is little water available for evaporation or plant transpiration. This occurs in conditions of extended drought, and has significant effects on fire behaviour. A zero reading means the soil is at saturation point and run off will occur.
As you can see in the pic attached, the KBDI reading from the Applethorpe research station is currently at 119.
That means we will need an estimated 119 millimeters of continuous rainfall for the soil to reach saturation.
It also means that we are well above the recommended maximum for conducting effective controlled burns. This recommended maximum is 80 on the KBDI.
So what does this all mean to us as land owners ?
If you are someone interested in effective land management, native vegetation and pest control, it will mean that methods other than fire for fuel reduction on your property should be investigated. You could essentially do more harm than good by burning out excess fuel in the current conditions.
So what are some other methods of fuel reduction?
Grazing livestock is a good one, slashing and whipper snipping too (before 11am or after 4pm).
Let us know in the comments what you use in times like this 🤩
Something to think about over the Easter break 🤓
Don’t forget to have the conversation with your family, friends and neighbours about an evacuation plan in the event of a fire in your area.
Prepare, Act, Survive 💛
