Brisbane Fire Report: 7 Things You Need to Know About the 2025 Fire Season
The Brisbane Fire Report for 2025 is sounding a clear alarm — Queensland’s capital is facing one of the most dangerous fire seasons in recent history. With hotter days, drier landscapes, and fire-prone suburbs expanding, it’s time Brisbane residents shift from “it won’t happen to me” to “how do I prepare?”
Here are 7 key things to know right now, according to the latest data and expert insights.
1. Fire Incidents Have Jumped by Over 20%
According to Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES), the number of fire emergencies in Brisbane is up more than 20% compared to 2024. While some are small grass fires, others have led to property loss and major evacuations, especially in areas like Logan, Samford, and Springfield Lakes.
The Brisbane Fire Report shows a trend toward more frequent, fast-spreading fires — often triggered by human activity during high-risk days.
2. Bushfires Are Moving Closer to Suburban Zones
Once confined to remote bushland, Brisbane bushfires 2025 are creeping into semi-urban developments. Suburbs like The Gap, Brookfield, and Upper Kedron are seeing flames come frighteningly close to fences.
Why? Development into fringe bushland areas hasn’t kept pace with fire infrastructure. Homes are being built where embers, high winds, and flammable scrub create the perfect fire triangle.
3. Dry Winter and Early Heatwaves Are a Dangerous Combo
Brisbane’s 2025 fire season kicked off earlier than usual due to record-low winter rainfall followed by above-average spring temps. Combine that with low humidity, and even a lawnmower spark can ignite disaster.
The Brisbane Fire Report notes that rainfall is 38% below normal and soil moisture is the lowest in over a decade — priming the landscape for ignition.
4. Evacuation Plans Are Still Missing in Most Homes
Disturbingly, more than half of residents in high-risk areas have no written evacuation plan, according to QFES surveys. That’s a massive problem.
In a fire, every second counts. When panic sets in, clear action steps save lives. That includes:
- Knowing multiple exit routes
- Preparing a grab-and-go emergency kit
- Assigning roles to family members
- Identifying safe zones
5. You Can Now Get Real-Time QFES Fire Alerts on Your Phone
The QFES fire alert system has improved drastically. Residents can now receive hyper-local notifications directly to their smartphones via the Emergency+ app.
You’ll get alerts based on your GPS location — not just your suburb — which means less waiting and more reacting when every second matters.
Make sure notifications are enabled and that battery saver settings don’t block critical warnings.
6. Here’s What the Experts Say You Should Do Right Now
If you’re reading this, and wondering where to begin, start with the Fire Preparedness Checklist:
- Clear leaf debris and overgrowth within 10 meters of your home.
- Install metal ember guards on roof vents and gutters.
- Keep a dedicated water source (e.g. hose or tank) with high-pressure access.
- Store flammable chemicals or firewood away from walls and decks.
- Identify evacuation routes and communicate them clearly to everyone in the household.
These simple actions reduce fire risk dramatically — and improve the chances your home survives when others don’t.
7. The Fire Season Will Only Get Longer
Here’s a sobering stat from the Brisbane Fire Report: fire season in Brisbane has extended by an average of 39 days compared to data from a decade ago. What used to be a few hot weeks in January is now a six-month threat spanning late spring to early autumn.
And with climate trends pointing toward even more extreme heat events, 2025 may not be an outlier — it might be the new normal.
FAQs – Brisbane Fire Report 2025
How can I stay updated on fire activity near Brisbane?
Subscribe to QFES fire alerts, download the Emergency+ app, and follow local news. The Brisbane Fire Report is also available via QFES and your local council websites.
Which suburbs are most at risk?
Outer-suburban and bush-adjacent areas like Samford, Logan, Karana Downs, and Brookfield are currently flagged as high-risk zones in the Brisbane bushfires 2025 watchlist.
What should I include in a fire evacuation kit?
Essentials include ID, medications, water, phone charger, clothing, torch, a hard drive or USB with important files, and pet food if applicable.
What is the Fire Preparedness Checklist?
It’s a homeowner’s list of critical steps to protect your property — like clearing vegetation, sealing roof gaps, preparing water supplies, and creating an exit plan. Every Brisbane household should complete it before peak season.
Are there fines for lighting fires during bans?
Yes. Brisbane enforces total fire bans during extreme conditions. Illegal backburning, campfires, or machinery use during bans can result in hefty fines and legal action.
