Our bushfire research is improving the understanding of fire, and improving technologies and strategies to save lives and limit damage.
Bushfire has been part of the Australian landscape for millions of years. Much of our vegetation has evolved with fire, and like the vegetation in other harsh and dry environments, it has developed characteristics that promote the spread of fire.
Australian scientists are developing reliable tools for predicting bushfire behaviour to save lives and limit damage.
We undertake work on advancing fire spread prediction and bushfire suppression systems by using sophisticated data analysis techniques and computer modelling. Working with state land management, rural fire agencies and other research agencies, our scientists apply knowledge of bushfire dynamics to real events and help predict risks.
We have been involved in bushfire research for more than sixty years. This has focused on:
Research results have been used to respond to bushfire threat through weather warnings, fire location information, fire-fighter training, predicting fire behaviour and informing fire safety policy.
A summary of CSIRO's key bushfire research findings.
The three factors that contribute to fire behaviour are:
The four main attributes that fire danger warnings are based on:
The frequency and severity of fire weather has increased over recent decades.
We predict many regions will see a significant increase in the highest levels of fire danger in the year ahead.
CSIRO is developing the science and tools to enable communities to better understand the changing profile of their bushfire risk and help them develop effective locally-relevant plans to protect property and life.
To learn more about bushfire prevention and response in your area, contact your local fire authority.Key insights from CSIRO's bushfire research.
Show text descriptionDownload a copy of the Bushfire Research infographic [png · 4mb].