BAL Rating

Bushfire Attack Level

A six-tier rating (BAL-LOW to BAL-FZ) measuring a property's bushfire exposure under AS 3959.

Bushfire Attack Level is the standard rating for a property's bushfire risk under Australian Standard AS 3959. Levels run from BAL-LOW (negligible) through BAL-12.5, BAL-19, BAL-29, BAL-40 to BAL-FZ (Flame Zone — direct contact with flames). Properties in BAL-rated zones must meet specific construction standards, and higher BAL ratings significantly increase build costs (often $20,000 to $100,000+ for BAL-40 or FZ). Home insurance premiums also rise sharply at BAL-29 and above.