Bushfire Risk in Pemberton, WA: 2026 Assessment

Pemberton, Western Australia· UNKNOWN
Pemberton has a high bushfire risk due to its proximity to dense forests and dry conditions during summer. Climate change is projected to exacerbate this risk.Updated 18 Mar 2026

Bushfire Risk Score

7.0/10

Pemberton has a high bushfire risk due to its proximity to dense forests and dry conditions during summer. Climate change is projected to exacerbate this risk.

Key Facts

Bushfire Risk
Pemberton has a high bushfire risk due to its proximity to dense forests and dry conditions during summer. Climate change is projected to exacerbate this risk.
Trend
increasing
Suburb
Pemberton, WA
Overall Risk
Medium
Postcode
6260
Highest high-risk exposure
18.7% of land (bushfire)

Bushfire Risk Analysis

Pemberton, Western Australia, has a pemberton has a high bushfire risk due to its proximity to dense forests and dry conditions during summer. 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 Western Australia fire authority maps bushfire-prone areas and assigns BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) ratings.

The entire suburb is designated as a bushfire prone area.

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

Pemberton sits within ClimateNest's suburb-level hazard model for bushfire risk. 18.7% of the suburb's land area is mapped in high-risk bushfire zones and 52.7% 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 Pemberton.

Pemberton (postcode 6260) 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 (18.7% of land in high-risk zones), surface flood (14.1% of land in high-risk zones), extreme wind (3.4% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across Pemberton — 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 BushlandImmediately adjacent to state forest.
BAL Overlay / ZoneDFES Bushfire Prone Area Map
Bushfire Prone AreaYes

Historical Events

2019
Moderate

A bushfire near Pemberton threatened the town, requiring evacuations and property protection efforts.

Adaptation & Mitigation Actions

Bushfire Preparedness Plan

Immediate

Develop and implement a comprehensive bushfire preparedness plan for your property, including clearing vegetation, creating firebreaks, and having an evacuation plan.

Est. cost: Low

Flood Mitigation Measures

Near-term

Implement flood mitigation measures such as installing flood barriers, improving drainage, and elevating vulnerable equipment.

Est. cost: Medium

Heatwave Preparedness

Immediate

Prepare for heatwaves by ensuring access to cooling, staying hydrated, and checking on vulnerable neighbors.

Est. cost: Low

Sustainable Land Management

Long-term

Promote sustainable land management practices to reduce bushfire risk and protect water resources.

Est. cost: Medium

Community Education Programs

Near-term

Implement community education programs to raise awareness about climate risks and adaptation strategies.

Est. cost: Low

Council & Emergency Services

Shire of Manjimup
Emergency Services

Data last updated: 18 March 2026

Explore Pemberton Risk Reports

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pemberton in a bushfire prone area?

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

BAL ratings in Pemberton 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 Pemberton?

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

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 Western Australia fire authority for property-specific guidance.

What share of Pemberton is exposed to high bushfire risk?

ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 18.7% of Pemberton in high-risk zones for bushfire, with a further 52.7% 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 Pemberton Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Pemberton, Western Australia, 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