Building A Modular Home In A Bushfire-Prone Area

August 25th, 2025
Residential

There is something truly magical about living in the bush—the smell of eucalyptus, the unique shape and colour of the native canopy, the abundance of wildlife, the textures, the space. It’s peaceful, it’s beautiful, and it’s a lifestyle unlike anywhere else in the world. Yet with this beauty comes responsibility. The increasing frequency and intensity of bushfires over the past three decades has reshaped how we plan and build in these regions. At Modscape + Modbotics, we design modular homes that not only celebrate the landscape but also meet the highest bushfire standards—ensuring your home is both safe and architecturally refined.

What is a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL)?

BAL is a nationwide standard that determines the severity of potential exposure to ember attack, radiant heat and flames. It influences what materials and construction methods must be used. BAL ranges from Low (minimal risk) to FZ – Flame Zone (highest risk).

What are the six Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) classifications?

A bushfire planning consultant will be able to establish the Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) of your land. The BAL is a nationwide standard to determine the severity of a building’s potential exposure to ember attack, radiant heat and direct flame contact. It is measured using levels of radiant heat, expressed in kilowatts per square metre. The higher the number, the more severe the potential exposure.

There are six BAL classifications which form part of the Australian Standard for construction of buildings in bushfire prone areas. The classifications indicate the materials you’ll be required to use in your build.

BAL Low: Insufficient risk to warrant construction requirements – very low risk

BAL 12.5: Ember attack – low risk

BAL 19: Increasing levels of ember attack and burning debris along with exposure to heat flux of up to 19kW/m²

BAL 29: Increasing levels of ember attack and burning debris along with increasing exposure to heat flux of up to 29kW/m²

BAL 40: Increasing levels of ember attack and burning debris along with increasing heat flux of up to 40kW/m² and increased likelihood of exposure to flames

BAL FZ: Ember attack and direct exposure to flames from the fire front in addition to heat flux of greater than 40kw/m²

What factors determine my Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating?

Your location –This will include how many directions a bushfire may approach from as well as road access in and out of the property.

The type of vegetation on your property – There is no such thing as fireproof vegetation as it can all burn in extreme fire conditions. The more dense the vegetation, the more intense the fire zone is. If there is a mixture of trees, shrubs, grasses and leaf litter this can have a kindling affect allowing the fire to build.

How far your house is from vegetation – The closer the property is to vegetation, the higher the fire risk. Research into Australian bushfires has indicated that around 85% of house destruction happens within 100m of bushland. The greater the area of bushland, the greater the risk of direct exposure to flames.

The slope of your property – The topography affects the speed and spread of a fire. Fires burn faster uphill. When moving upslope, the fire dries out the vegetation ahead making it easier to burn. The steeper the slope, the quicker the fire. This is often a challenge as many favour their homes being situated at the top of a slope to maximise views.

How does Modscape + Modbotics design for BAL compliance?

A Modscape modular home can be built to a BAL 40 and even to a BAL FZ bushfire resistant. This means it can be placed up to and within a high flame zone region. The standard steel frame construction of all Modscape prefab houses means that they can withstand extreme winds, earthquakes, heavy snow and fire activity. Depending on the BAL level of your site, additional measures can be included such as toughened glass in toughened frames so you don’t have to compromise on style.

How does BAL compliance affect insurance?

Most policies include fire cover, but it’s important to confirm bushfire inclusion and waiting periods. A modular home built with steel framing can also lower premiums, thanks to greater durability and resistance to natural disasters and pests.