Bushfire Risk in Tocal, NSW: 2026 Assessment

Tocal, New South Wales· UNKNOWN
The bushfire risk in Tocal is moderate, with some areas bordering bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures are projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.Updated 6 May 2026

Bushfire Risk Score

4.0/10

The bushfire risk in Tocal is moderate, with some areas bordering bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures are projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Key Facts

Bushfire Risk
The bushfire risk in Tocal is moderate, with some areas bordering bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures are projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.
Trend
increasing
Suburb
Tocal, NSW
Overall Risk
Medium
Postcode
2421
Highest high-risk exposure
11.8% of land (bushfire)

Bushfire Risk Analysis

Tocal, New South Wales, has a the bushfire risk in tocal is moderate, with some areas bordering bushland. drier conditions and higher temperatures are projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires. bushfire risk profile. Key factors include distance to classified bushland, vegetation type, slope, and historical bushfire activity in the region. The New South Wales fire authority maps bushfire-prone areas and assigns BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) ratings.

Properties bordering bushland are at higher risk of bushfire.

CSIRO research indicates climate change is extending fire seasons and increasing the number of severe fire weather days across southern and eastern Australia. For Tocal, this may mean shifts in bushfire risk levels over the coming decades, making property-level BAL assessment increasingly important.

Use ClimateNest for a complete address-level bushfire risk report for Tocal including BAL zone assessment, evacuation route mapping, and property-specific risk mitigation recommendations.

Tocal sits within ClimateNest's suburb-level hazard model for bushfire risk. 11.8% of the suburb's land area is mapped in high-risk bushfire zones and 70.4% in moderate-risk zones, based on the national hazard overlay. Exposure at this scale varies street by street, which is why an address-level check matters before you buy or insure a specific property in Tocal.

Tocal (postcode 2421) is tracked in ClimateNest's suburb hazard model, which maps the share of the suburb's land exposed to each hazard at high and moderate levels. The suburb's highest high-risk exposures are bushfire (11.8% of land in high-risk zones), riverine flood (8.4% of land in high-risk zones), surface flood (4.7% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across Tocal — individual properties can sit well above or below these averages, so an address-level check is recommended before buying, selling or insuring.

Local Hazard Evidence

Distance to BushlandAdjacent
BAL Overlay / ZoneRFS Bush Fire Prone Land
Bushfire Prone AreaYes

Historical Events

2013
Moderate

Bushfires in the Hunter region threatened properties in Tocal, requiring firefighting efforts.

Adaptation & Mitigation Actions

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Install flood barriers, improve drainage systems, and elevate vulnerable infrastructure to reduce flood damage.

Est. cost: Medium

Enhance Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Clear vegetation around properties, create firebreaks, and develop a bushfire survival plan.

Est. cost: Low

Implement Heatwave Action Plan

Immediate

Establish cooling centers, provide public education on heat safety, and ensure access to air conditioning for vulnerable populations.

Est. cost: Medium

Upgrade Infrastructure

Long-term

Upgrade roads and bridges to withstand more frequent and intense flooding events.

Est. cost: High

Council & Emergency Services

Maitland City Council
Emergency Services

Data last updated: 6 May 2026

Explore Tocal Risk Reports

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tocal in a bushfire prone area?

Parts of Tocal may be designated as bushfire prone land. Based on available data, Tocal has a notable bushfire risk. Check your specific property for BAL ratings through ClimateNest or your local council.

What BAL rating applies to properties in Tocal?

BAL ratings in Tocal depend on the property's distance from classified vegetation, vegetation type, and slope. A site-specific assessment under AS 3959 is required to determine the exact BAL rating for any property within the suburb.

Does bushfire risk affect insurance in Tocal?

Yes, properties in bushfire-prone parts of Tocal may face higher building insurance premiums. Insurers assess bushfire risk based on BAL rating, fire history, and proximity to bushland. Some insurers may restrict cover in very high-risk locations.

What bushfire mitigation measures help protect homes in Tocal?

Effective bushfire mitigation includes maintaining cleared asset protection zones, using ember-proof mesh on vents, installing metal gutter guards, using non-combustible building materials, and maintaining defendable space. Consult the New South Wales fire authority for property-specific guidance.

What share of Tocal is exposed to high bushfire risk?

ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 11.8% of Tocal in high-risk zones for bushfire, with a further 70.4% in moderate-risk zones. Suburb-level exposure is not uniform — individual properties can differ from these averages, so an address-level check is recommended.

Is Tocal Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Tocal, New South Wales, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.

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What A$69 could save you from

$7.2B
2022 insured disaster losses*
$300B+
climate risk to property by 2050*
30-120%
insurance premium increases in high-risk areas*

*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA

Full report from A$69 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections