
NSW Building regulations requires that school buildings near potential bush fire areas ( or on Bushfire Prone land) are to be designed to safeguard occupants from the effects of a bush fire.
Section 100B (6) of the Rural Fire Act 1997 states that a school is considered a Special Fire Protection Purpose and therefore requires increased level of safety from bush fires.
Development applications on bush fire prone land must be accompanied by a Bush Fire Assessment Report demonstrating compliance with the aim and objectives of Planning for Bush Fire Protection and the specific objectives and performance criteria for the land use proposed.
Local Authorities and the Rural Fire Service can provide advice on the design of buildings in bush fire prone areas.
Designated bushfire prone area means land that:

The Building Code of Australia and AS3959 “Construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas” sets out the requirements for buildings which are within close proximity to a defined bush fire zone. The requirements are based on the assessed construction category within the standard.
In general terms the design of the buildings should allow for the following:
Floors – prevent embers reaching under the building:
Roofs – Simple form, non-combustible roofs are easiest to protect, clean and avoid creating pockets where debris and embers may collect. To stop spark penetration:
Walls - Exterior walls are most affected by heat from the fire (radiant energy) and by direct flame. External walls should be one or a combination of the following:
Windows – They are one of the weakest parts of a building when exposed to fire.
Doors –To prevent embers from entering through doorways and under doors, they are to be fitted with:
Vents, Eaves and Soffits

An Asset Protection Zone should be established and maintained around school buildings, to provide protection to the students.
The establishment of an Asset Protection Zone will also minimise the Bushfire Attack Level category and Construction Level required by the relevant standards, and to satisfy DA approval legislation with regards to a Site Bushfire Attack Assessment.
Asset Protection Zones


Given the right conditions, all plants will burn, but some are more flammable. Plants that have some degree of fire resistance, have the following characteristics:
Refer to Planning for Bushfire Protection 2006(NSW Rural Fire Service + Planning NSW)


