Bushfire Risk in Upper Horton, NSW: 2026 Assessment
Bushfire Risk Score
8.0/10Upper Horton has a high bushfire risk due to its proximity to bushland and prevailing dry conditions. Climate change is projected to exacerbate this risk.
Key Facts
- Bushfire Risk
- Upper Horton has a high bushfire risk due to its proximity to bushland and prevailing dry conditions. Climate change is projected to exacerbate this risk.
- Trend
- increasing
- Suburb
- Upper Horton, NSW
- Overall Risk
- High
- Postcode
- 2347
- Highest high-risk exposure
- 16.2% of land (bushfire)
Bushfire Risk Analysis
Upper Horton, New South Wales, has a upper horton has a high bushfire risk due to its proximity to bushland and prevailing dry conditions. climate change is projected to exacerbate this risk. 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.
Much of the area is designated as bushfire prone land.
CSIRO research indicates climate change is extending fire seasons and increasing the number of severe fire weather days across southern and eastern Australia. For Upper Horton, 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 Upper Horton including BAL zone assessment, evacuation route mapping, and property-specific risk mitigation recommendations.
Upper Horton sits within ClimateNest's suburb-level hazard model for bushfire risk. 16.2% of the suburb's land area is mapped in high-risk bushfire zones and 70.6% 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 Upper Horton.
Upper Horton (postcode 2347) 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 (16.2% of land in high-risk zones), surface flood (9.3% of land in high-risk zones), riverine flood (5% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across Upper Horton — 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
Historical Events
Severe bushfires impacted the region, causing significant damage to property and the environment.
Adaptation & Mitigation Actions
Improve Bushfire Preparedness
ImmediateImplement bushfire management plans, clear vegetation around properties, and ensure access to water for firefighting.
Est. cost: Low
Develop Heatwave Management Plan
Near-termEstablish cooling centers, provide public awareness campaigns, and ensure vulnerable populations have access to support during heatwaves.
Est. cost: Medium
Upgrade Flood Defenses
Long-termImprove drainage infrastructure, construct flood levees, and implement early warning systems.
Est. cost: High
Promote Water Conservation
Near-termImplement water restrictions, encourage water-efficient landscaping, and invest in water recycling infrastructure.
Est. cost: Medium
Council & Emergency Services
Explore Upper Horton Risk Reports
View other climate risk assessments for Upper Horton:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Upper Horton in a bushfire prone area?
Parts of Upper Horton may be designated as bushfire prone land. Based on available data, Upper Horton 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 Upper Horton?
BAL ratings in Upper Horton 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 Upper Horton?
Yes, properties in bushfire-prone parts of Upper Horton 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 Upper Horton?
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 Upper Horton is exposed to high bushfire risk?
ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 16.2% of Upper Horton in high-risk zones for bushfire, with a further 70.6% 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 Upper Horton Safe from Climate Risk?
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