Fires: New Building Regulations

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PREMIER RELEASES BUSHFIRE BUILDING STANDARD

The Victorian Government will introduce tougher building standards for homes, targeting high bushfire risk areas, to help save lives and property.
In the most extreme fire risk areas, measures required for new homes will include:
• A concrete slab;
• Exterior walls must be constructed of non-combustible material such as brick veneer or concrete;
• Non-combustible material on the roof, veranda or deck;
• Sealed wall and roof joints to guard against ember attacks;
• Shutters made from aluminium or other non-combustible material, or toughened glass for windows;
• Door frames made from fire resistant timber, with a weather strip at the base;
• Metal, rather than plastic, external trimmings such as vents, guttering and down pipes.

“This year’s devastating bushfires have rewritten the rules, registering temperatures in excess of 1200 degrees Celsius and wind speeds of more than 120km/h,” Mr Brumby said.


The new residential building standard will apply to:
• New homes or outbuildings of any construction type such as brick veneer, mud brick and timber;
• Rebuilding of homes or outbuildings;
• Repairs to part of a building or outbuilding such as a garage, shed or fireplace; and
• Additions to homes and outbuildings within six metres of a dwelling.


For more information, contact the Bushfire Building Advice Line on 1300 360 320.