If you live in the Adelaide Hills, on Adelaide’s semi-rural fringe, or anywhere within a Bushfire Prone Area under the South Australian planning framework, you may have heard the term “fire attenuation screens.” But what exactly are they — and do you actually need them?
This guide explains how fire attenuation screens work, what the Australian Standard requires, which Adelaide suburbs are most at risk, and how to determine whether your home needs bushfire-rated screens.
What Are Fire Attenuation Screens?
Fire attenuation screens are a type of security screen specifically designed to reduce the risk of a residential building catching fire during a bushfire event. They address two of the primary pathways through which bushfires spread to and ignite homes:
- Radiant heat: Intense radiant heat radiating from a fire front can ignite building materials, particularly around window openings. Fire attenuation screens reflect and absorb a portion of this radiant heat before it reaches the glass.
- Ember attack: Airborne embers carried by wind can travel kilometres ahead of a fire front, landing on and igniting combustible materials — including getting through open windows and igniting internal furnishings. Fire attenuation screens block embers from entering through open windows.
The key specification is mesh aperture size: fire attenuation screens use a 1.5mm x 1.5mm stainless steel mesh opening, which is small enough to block airborne embers (typically 2mm to 10mm in size) while still allowing adequate airflow through an open window.
Australian Standard and BAL Ratings
Bushfire risk in Australia is formally assessed and communicated using the Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) system defined in AS 3959-2009 (Construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas). Each BAL level specifies different construction requirements, including what is required for windows and openings.
| BAL Level | Risk Level | Window/Opening Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| BAL-LOW | Low — minimal requirement | No specific screen requirement |
| BAL-12.5 | Low-medium | Ember guard screens with 1.5mm x 1.5mm aperture |
| BAL-29 | Medium | Ember guard screens — fire attenuation screens recommended |
| BAL-40 | High | Fire attenuation screens required on all window openings |
| BAL-FZ (Flame Zone) | Extreme | Specific system testing required + Fire Safety Report from engineer |
Crimsafe fire attenuation screens are specifically tested and compliant for BAL-12.5, BAL-29, and BAL-40 applications on windows, hinged doors, bifold doors, sliding doors, and stacking doors.
Do I Need Fire Attenuation Screens for My Adelaide Home?
The answer depends on your property’s assessed Bushfire Attack Level (BAL). Here is how to find out:
Step 1: Check If You Are in a Bushfire Prone Area
The South Australian Government’s planning portal (PlanSA) allows you to search any South Australian property to determine whether it is located within a Designated Bushfire Risk Area. You can search by address at planning.sa.gov.au.
Step 2: Get a BAL Assessment
If your property is in a Bushfire Risk Area, you will need a formal BAL assessment to determine your specific level. This is typically done by a qualified building assessor or fire protection engineer. If you are building or renovating, your building certifier will usually arrange this as part of the development approval process.
For existing homes, you can commission an independent BAL assessment if you are unsure of your property’s risk level.
Step 3: Check Your Development Approval Conditions
If your home was built or significantly renovated after AS 3959-2009 was adopted (or after relevant state planning regulation updates), your development approval conditions will specify your BAL level and any construction requirements that apply, including screen requirements.
High-Risk Adelaide Suburbs and Areas
Areas in and around Adelaide with the highest bushfire risk typically include:
- The Adelaide Hills (Stirling, Aldgate, Bridgewater, Hahndorf, Balhannah, Lobethal, Woodside, and surrounds)
- McLaren Vale and the Southern Vales
- Gawler Ranges and northern fringe suburbs
- Mount Barker region (some areas)
- Willunga and Clarendon
- Outer northern and eastern suburban fringes adjacent to bushland or grassland
If you live in these areas, it is worth checking your BAL assessment even if you did not receive specific guidance at the time of building your home.
Crimsafe Fire Attenuation Screen Performance
Crimsafe fire attenuation screens have been independently tested by CSIRO. Key performance results include:
- Reduce radiant heat flux by up to 59% in CSIRO testing
- Reduce radiant heat by up to 27% over 2 hours at 80kW/m2 incident energy
- Reduce radiant heat by up to 43% at 40kW/m2 incident energy
- Mesh aperture of 1.5mm x 1.5mm meets AS 3959-2009 ember guard requirements
- Available with emergency escape mechanism — push-button release from inside without a key
Finding Out More
For full details on Crimsafe fire attenuation screens including product specifications, door types available, and BAL compliance documentation, see our Fire Attenuation Screens page.
To book a free measure and quote at your Adelaide Hills or bushfire-prone area property, call Stan Bond SA on 08 8336 2066 or request a quote online. Our consultants can advise on the right product for your specific BAL requirement.