Bushfire season is here for much of Australia. For rural and semi-rural properties, good signs help in two ways: they help fire crews find water and access quickly in an emergency, and they remind visitors, workers and campers about fire rules on hot, windy days. This guide covers the signs rural landholders, builders in bushfire-prone areas, caravan parks and reserves use most.
Bushfire planning rules differ between states and councils. Your planning permit, bushfire management plan or development consent, and your state's fire service, set what your property actually needs. This guide is general information only.
1. Firefighting water supply signs
Many properties in bushfire-prone areas keep a dedicated water supply for firefighting, often as a condition of a building approval. When a brigade arrives, often in smoke or at night, they need to find that water and the outlet straight away.
- Firefighting water supply tank sign with custom litres: marks the tank and shows how much water is held.
- Fire water sign: labels a tank, main or pump reserved for firefighting so nobody uses it for the garden or stock.
Victoria: Bushfire Management Plan signs
In Victoria, properties with a Bushfire Management Plan often have conditions about identifying the fire water supply. Our Victorian range is designed around the common BMP template conditions:
- VIC fire water tank outlet sign with capacity: for remote outlets and riser posts.
- VIC blue fire water marker disc: fixed under the fire water sign so it shows up in headlights.
- VIC fire water directional sign with arrow: points crews to the water supply.
Always check the exact wording and placement in your own plan or permit, and ask the CFA or your council if you're unsure.
2. Fire ban and campfire signs
- Total fire ban, no fires on this property: for farm gates, rural properties and work sites.
- No fires or campfires: for reserves, caravan parks, campgrounds and beach car parks.
- No BBQ allowed: for parks and common areas where BBQs are banned.
Check your local fire danger rating and fire ban status before any burning or hot work. Your state fire service publishes these every day during the season.
3. Smoke on the road
Hazard-reduction burns and roadside fires can cut visibility quickly. Councils, landholders and contractors running a burn near a road can use a NSW smoke hazard sign to warn drivers. Anyone working on or near a road should follow their traffic management plan and road authority requirements.
4. Property access and identification
Fire crews are often not local. Clear signs at the gate help them find you.
- Custom farm entrance sign with farm name and address
- Custom gate, house or building number sign
- Gate and access signs such as "keep gate closed". See our farm biosecurity signs guide for more rural gate signs.
Choosing a material for rural properties
Reflective aluminium is the best choice for water supply and access signs, because it shows up in headlights and handles sun, heat and rain for years. Use post mount holes for star pickets and posts. Corflute suits short-term notices, such as a seasonal fire ban sign on a site fence.
Frequently asked questions
Can you print our tank capacity or property name?
Yes. The firefighting water supply tank sign lets you add the litres, and our custom rural signs let you add your property name and address.
How fast can I get signs before a fire danger period?
Every sign is made to order and dispatched in 2–3 business days. Shipping is a $20 flat rate, or free on orders over $500.
Shop signs for farms and rural properties
Related: Summer safety signs: heat stress, sun and snakes
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