How to Find Out if I’m in a Bushfire Zone in NSW

Checking if Your Property is in a Bushfire-Prone Area

If you’re not sure whether your home or property is on bushfire-prone land, you can easily check using the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Bush Fire Prone Land Mapping Tool.

The Bush Fire Prone Land Mapping Tool is an official online resource that uses maps certified by local councils. It identifies properties that fall within areas likely to be affected by bushfire, based on vegetation types and proximity to bushland.

When you enter your address, the tool will show whether your property is within a mapped bushfire-prone area. This information is particularly useful for property owners, buyers, or anyone planning to build, renovate, or manage vegetation around their home.

It’s important to remember that the tool is a general guide. The NSW Government notes that results are only valid on the day you check, as maps are updated periodically to reflect changing conditions. For official confirmation, you can also request a Section 10.7 Planning Certificate from your local council.

The tool doesn’t assess your personal risk level or predict how a bushfire might affect your home. But it gives you the foundation to make informed decisions and plan effective protection strategies.

Knowing whether your NSW property is in a bushfire-prone area helps you make informed choices about safety, maintenance, and compliance.



Building requirements

If your land is in a bushfire-prone area, new homes, extensions, or significant renovations may need to comply with specific bushfire construction standards under Australian Standard AS3959. These standards help reduce the impact of radiant heat, ember attack, and direct flame contact.



Insurance coverage

Properties in bushfire-prone zones may face different insurance requirements. Knowing your status helps you review your policy and make sure you’re adequately protected.



Property maintenance

Vegetation management is a major part of bushfire readiness. Understanding your risk helps you maintain your trees, shrubs, and garden safely and in line with NSW RFS guidelines.

Taking the time to check your zone now means you can plan ahead, make practical adjustments, and keep your property and family safer when bushfire season arrives.

Preparing Your Property: Why Tree Care Is Key

While bushfires can be unpredictable, one of the most effective ways to reduce risk is through proactive vegetation management. Yes, trees and shrubs can add some beauty, shade, and value to your property, but without proper care, they can also become fuel during a fire.

That’s where professional tree care and maintenance make all the difference. If you live in The Shire or nearby, a certified Sutherland Shire tree arborist can assess the health, structure, and proximity of your trees to your home. They can also advise on how to reduce fire risk without losing the natural charm of your garden. With the right pruning, spacing, and upkeep, you can enjoy a vibrant outdoor space that’s both safe and resilient when bushfire season arrives.

Pruning vs. Tree Removal: A Smarter Way to Prepare

A common misconception among property owners is that trees should be removed altogether to prevent fire hazards. However, in most cases, tree pruning is far more effective and sustainable.

Regular pruning helps:

• Reduce fuel loads by removing dead branches and dry foliage.
• Improve clearance around structures, powerlines, and fences.
• Maintain tree health, allowing them to retain moisture and resist ignition.
• Preserve the landscape, providing natural shade and wind protection that can actually help slow ember spread.

Healthy, well-pruned trees can act as natural fire barriers by blocking embers and radiant heat. In contrast, excessive clearing can dry out the soil and increase exposure to wind, which can heighten fire risk.

Tree removal should only be considered if a tree is dead, structurally unsound, or poses a direct threat to safety. Working with professional arborists ensures that vegetation is managed responsibly, in line with both environmental protection laws and NSW RFS recommendations.



How Professional Tree Services Can Help You Prepare

If your property is located in or near a bushfire-prone area in The Shire or the surrounding areas, Bob & Ben The Tree Men can provide professional arboriculture advice and practical support to help you with your preparation efforts. The right guidance can make a big difference in reducing fire hazards while keeping your trees as healthy and sustainable as possible.

This may involve:

• Tree health and structure inspections to identify weak, overgrown, or hazardous branches.
• Targeted pruning to improve canopy spacing and maintain safe clearance around buildings and powerlines.
• Ground vegetation management to reduce leaf litter and other combustible materials.
• Advice on tree species that are more fire-resistant and suitable for replanting.



Working with Bob & Ben The Tree Men helps you manage your property responsibly, keeping vegetation under control and supporting compliance with council and NSW RFS guidelines.

Additional Tips for Bushfire Preparation

Along with professional tree care, homeowners can take several practical steps to strengthen their property’s fire resilience:

• Keep gutters, roofs, and downpipes clear of leaves and debris.
• Store firewood, gas bottles, and flammable materials away from buildings.
• Trim grass regularly and remove dry vegetation close to the house.
• Install metal flyscreens on windows and vents to block embers.
• Create and rehearse a Bush Fire Survival Plan with your family.

For detailed planning advice, visit the NSW RFS Plan and Prepare page, which provides step-by-step guides for property owners and residents.

Supporting Your Local Environment

Good tree care isn’t only about reducing bushfire risk. It’s also about keeping the local environment thriving. Healthy trees provide shade, shelter wildlife, and hold the soil together through the hot, dry months. Regular pruning helps them stay strong and safe without losing their natural shape or purpose in your garden.



At Bob & Ben The Tree Men, we take a practical approach: removing what’s necessary, preserving what’s healthy, and keeping your landscape in balance. It’s about responsible maintenance that benefits both your property and the broader environment around it.

Final Thoughts

If you’re living in NSW, checking whether your property is in a bushfire zone is a simple but vital step in preparing for the fire season. Use the NSW RFS Bush Fire Prone Land Mapping Tool to find out your property’s status, then take proactive steps to reduce risk through professional tree care and sensible vegetation management.

At Bob & Ben The Tree Men, we help homeowners across Sutherland Shire and the surrounds prepare for bushfire season safely and responsibly. From precision pruning and canopy thinning to hazard reduction and tree assessments, our team focuses on providing quality tree care that supports safety, compliance, and the long-term health of your trees.

Contact us today to arrange an inspection or find out more about how our tree care services can help you prepare for the bushfire season.