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Bushfire warning messages

You should not wait to receive an official warning message before you act.

Once a bushfire alert has been issued, a fire has started in the area.

During a bushfire, alert levels are used to give you an indication of the level of threat from a fire.

Remember - don't wait for a warning. Some fires start and spread so quickly there may not be any time for a warning. If you get a bushfire alert, you must take it seriously. Failure to take action can result in death or injury to you or your family members.

Types of messages

There are 3 levels of message what can be issued during a bushfire.

These messages are issued via:

You should take these messages seriously, consider the information carefully and take action.

Bushfire warning levels

AdviceAdviceA fire has started. There is no immediate danger. Stay up to date in case the situation changes.
Watch and ActWatch and ActThere is a heighted level of threat. Conditions are changing and you need to start taking action now to protect you and your family.
EmergencyEmergency WarningThe highest level of bushfire alert. You may be in danger and need to take action immediately. Any delay now puts your life at risk.

What you need to do if an Advice has been issued for your area:

  • If there is smoke in the area, stay inside, close windows and doors and keep medication handy.
  • If you need to go outside, wear a properly-fitting mask.
  • Speak to children and those under your care. Tell them what is happening and what might happen next. Teach them how and who to call for help, and put a note with emergency numbers in a central place. Set up check-in times if they are going out.
  • Locate your bushfires survival plan.
  • Prepare your firefighting equipment before the conditions get worse.
  • Ensure your plan includes your animals.
  • Let you neighbours know about the current threat in the area.
  • Listen to your local radio station, this is usually ABC Radio - the national emergency broadcaster.

What you need to do if a Watch and Act has been issued for your area:

  • Things are getting more serious and the threat is increasing and conditions are changing.
  • You need to act now to prepare for the approaching fire and to protect you and your family.
  • Activate your bushfire survival plan.
  • Prepare to leave and keep paying attention to warnings.
  • Let your neighbours know your plans.
  • Set up firefighting equipment if you plan to stay.
  • Keep checking the emergency information linked at the bottom of this post.
  • Warning are published on SecureNT and social media channels.
  • Listen to your local radio.

What you need to do if an Emergency has been issued for your area:

  • Leave immediately.
  • If it’s not safe to leave, seek shelter straight away.
  • Follow your bushfire survival plan.
  • Keep checking SecureNT and social media channels for updates.
  • Listen to your local radio station.

Know your fire danger ratings

The fire danger rating shows the risk of bushfires in your area.

To find out more view the fire danger ratings.

Page last updated 05 October 2023

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