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What is involved in establishing an Asset Protection Zone?

An APZ designed and maintained to standard is intended to reduce the risk of direct flame contact, the effect from radiant heat and ember attack to the asset. Potential bush fire fuels should be minimised within an APZ. This is so that the vegetation within the planned zone does not provide a path for the transfer of fire to the asset either from the ground level or through the tree canopy.

Recommended APZ sites are intended to meet the Planning for Bush fire Protection 2019 (PBP) standards at a Bush fire Attack Level (BAL) of 29. Planning for Bush Fire Protection describes two fuel-managed zones; an Inner Protection Area (IPA) where fuels are significantly reduced and an Outer Protection Area (OPA) where fuels are managed to a more moderate level.

bushfire levels

Source: Planning for Bush Fire Protection. NSW Rural Fire Service 2019

An APZ, if designed correctly and maintained regularly, will reduce the risk of:

  • direct flame contact on the asset
  • damage to the built asset from intense radiant heat; and
  • ember attack on the asset

Any questions regarding council APZs can be directed to assetprotection@hornsby.nsw.gov.au