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An Explanation of Fire Weather District Ratings Calculations

Understanding the 'ten percent rule', also known as 'the 90th percentile rule' to determine the Fire Behaviour Index and Fire Danger Rating.

Last updated22 Jan 2025

When reporting fire danger against an area such as a Fire Weather District, local government or other area, the Fire Behaviour Index and Fire Danger Rating for a date are determined by sorting Fire Behaviour Index grid cell values from lowest to highest and the value that at least ten percent of grids equal or exceed are applied to the area. This is called the ten percent rule, or sometimes the 90th percentile rule.

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