Vulnerable Use and Bushfire Emergency Plans (BEPs) ​

Under State Planning Policy 3.7, additional bushfire protection measures are required for developments categorised as Vulnerable Use. A Bushfire Emergency Plan (BEP)—including an evacuation diagram and response procedures—must be prepared to support safe decision-making and protect occupants who may be at greater risk during a bushfire.

What is a Bushfire Emergency Plan (BEP)?

When do I need a BEP?

What does a BMP assess?

Preparation by a BPAD Level 3 Practitioner

Unsure what you need?

A BEP outlines the emergency response arrangements for a development during a bushfire event. It includes clear procedures for evacuation, shelter-in-place strategies (if applicable), roles and responsibilities, and a site-specific diagram showing exits, assembly areas, and access points.

In Western Australia, a BEP is required when a proposed development is classed as Vulnerable Use. This typically includes:

  • Child care centres

  • Aged care or nursing homes

  • Schools or education facilities

  • Religious gathering places (e.g. Church or Mosque)

  • Tourist accommodation (e.g. holiday parks, campgrounds)

  • Medical centres or facilities housing occupants with limited mobility

These uses trigger additional requirements because the people on-site may not be able to respond quickly or independently during a bushfire emergency.

A Bushfire Management Plan (BMP) assesses how a proposed development will minimise bushfire risk and meet planning requirements. It typically covers:

  • Water Supply for Firefighting: Ensures adequate water is available via on-site tanks (usually fitted with CFA-compliant fittings) or access to mains-connected hydrants within a set distance of the property.

  • Property Access: Confirms that driveways and emergency access routes meet minimum standards—typically a 6 m wide trafficable surface, with turning areas and vertical clearance to allow emergency vehicles to enter and exit safely.

  • Asset Protection Zones (APZs): Establishes minimum setbacks between vegetation and buildings, often requiring managed areas around structures to reduce bushfire impact and radiant heat exposure.

  • All elements covered in a BAL: This is the vegetation assessment. View this page for a detailed description of a BAL Assessment.

These elements work together to ensure the site meets the bushfire protection criteria and achieves a risk level acceptable under SPP 3.7 and the Guidelines.

Bushfire Emergency Plans (BEPs) can only be prepared and certified by an assessor accredited to BPAD Level 3 under the Fire Protection Association Australia (FPA Australia) scheme. Bushfire Smart is proud to have an in-house Level 3 practitioner—one of the limited number accredited at this level in Western Australia—qualified to prepare BEPs that meet all statutory requirements.

Get in touch to request a quote and find out if your proposed development meets the criteria for Vulnerable Use. We'll help you determine what's required and prepare a compliant Bushfire Emergency Plan tailored to your site.