📮 Wakefield postcode: 2287

Bushfire Risk in Wakefield, NSW: 2026 Assessment

Wakefield, New South Wales· Lake Macquarie· 2287
The risk of bushfires in Wakefield is moderate, given the presence of surrounding bushland. Hotter, drier conditions are projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.Updated 21 May 2026

Bushfire Risk Score

4.0/10

The risk of bushfires in Wakefield is moderate, given the presence of surrounding bushland. Hotter, drier conditions are projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Key Facts

Bushfire Risk
The risk of bushfires in Wakefield is moderate, given the presence of surrounding bushland. Hotter, drier conditions are projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.
Trend
increasing
Suburb
Wakefield, NSW
Overall Risk
Medium
Postcode
2278
Highest high-risk exposure
6.8% of land (bushfire)

Bushfire Risk Analysis

Wakefield, New South Wales, has a the risk of bushfires in wakefield is moderate, given the presence of surrounding bushland. hotter, drier conditions 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.

The western edge of Wakefield borders significant bushland, increasing the risk of ember attack during bushfire events.

CSIRO research indicates climate change is extending fire seasons and increasing the number of severe fire weather days across southern and eastern Australia. For Wakefield, 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 Wakefield including BAL zone assessment, evacuation route mapping, and property-specific risk mitigation recommendations.

Wakefield sits within ClimateNest's suburb-level hazard model for bushfire risk. 6.8% of the suburb's land area is mapped in high-risk bushfire zones and 64% 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 Wakefield.

Wakefield (postcode 2278) 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 (6.8% of land in high-risk zones), riverine flood (5.6% of land in high-risk zones), surface flood (5.6% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across Wakefield — 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 BushlandLess than 1km to Awaba State Forest
BAL Overlay / ZoneRefer to NSW RFS bushfire prone land maps.
Bushfire Prone AreaYes

Historical Events

2013
Moderate

Bushfires in the region caused smoke haze and elevated fire danger in Wakefield.

Adaptation & Mitigation Actions

Improve Home Insulation

Near-term

Proper insulation can help reduce energy consumption and keep homes cooler during heatwaves.

Est. cost: $1,000 - $5,000

Install Rainwater Tanks

Near-term

Rainwater tanks can help reduce reliance on mains water and provide a water source for gardening and other non-potable uses.

Est. cost: $500 - $2,000

Develop Emergency Plans

Immediate

Prepare a family emergency plan that includes evacuation routes, contact information, and a supply kit.

Est. cost: Low

Support Local Climate Action

Long-term

Engage with local government and community groups to advocate for climate-friendly policies and initiatives.

Est. cost: Low

Council & Emergency Services

Lake Macquarie City Council
Emergency Services

Data last updated: 21 May 2026

Explore Wakefield Risk Reports

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wakefield in a bushfire prone area?

Parts of Wakefield may be designated as bushfire prone land. Based on available data, Wakefield 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 Wakefield?

BAL ratings in Wakefield 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 Wakefield?

Yes, properties in bushfire-prone parts of Wakefield 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 Wakefield?

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 Wakefield is exposed to high bushfire risk?

ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 6.8% of Wakefield in high-risk zones for bushfire, with a further 64% 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 Wakefield Safe from Climate Risk?

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

Free instant previewCSIRO-powered data

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