Developement of a metodology to assess school bushfire risk

Abstract

This paper describes the methods used to profile the risk posed by forest fire to schools across the state of Victoria, Australia. The methods are principally spatially data driven with augmentation from local assessments and surveys. Schools are assessed in terms of their likelihood of loss from a range of fire arrival severity scenarios and their capacity to effectively provide shelter for school occupants during these events. This is achieved by considering the potential loss of school buildings. The methods also includes an estimate of the radiant heat exposure at assembly areas and egress routes. As this is now a operational system, the paper describes both the theoretical process and the practical implementation. To address these risk asessements, the schools can implement various risk management processes such as prioritised infrastructure upgrades, vegetation management programs, pre-emptive temporary relocation, targeted education and training. These risk management strategies are considered and developed according to the risk profile of the individual school.