📮 Scarborough postcode: 6019

Bushfire Risk in Scarborough, WA: 2026 Assessment

Scarborough, Western Australia· City of Stirling· 6019
Bushfire risk in Scarborough is relatively low due to its urban development and coastal location, which limits extensive vegetation. However, nearby reserves pose a potential threat.Updated 22 Mar 2026

Bushfire Risk Score

3.2/10

Bushfire risk in Scarborough is relatively low due to its urban development and coastal location, which limits extensive vegetation. However, nearby reserves pose a potential threat.

Key Facts

Bushfire Risk
Bushfire risk in Scarborough is relatively low due to its urban development and coastal location, which limits extensive vegetation. However, nearby reserves pose a potential threat.
Trend
stable
Suburb
Scarborough, WA
Overall Risk
Medium
Postcode
6019
Highest high-risk exposure
14.1% of land (bushfire)

Bushfire Risk Analysis

Scarborough, Western Australia, has a bushfire risk in scarborough is relatively low due to its urban development and coastal location, which limits extensive vegetation. however, nearby reserves pose a potential threat. 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.

Areas adjacent to Trigg Bushland Reserve are considered at higher risk.

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

Scarborough sits within ClimateNest's suburb-level hazard model for bushfire risk. 14.1% of the suburb's land area is mapped in high-risk bushfire zones and 61.3% 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 Scarborough.

Scarborough (postcode 6019) 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 (14.1% of land in high-risk zones), riverine flood (9.6% of land in high-risk zones), surface flood (8.2% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across Scarborough — 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 Bushland1-3 km
BAL Overlay / ZoneDFES Bushfire Prone Area Map
Bushfire Prone AreaYes

Adaptation & Mitigation Actions

Upgrade stormwater drainage infrastructure

Near-term

Improve drainage capacity to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce the risk of localized flooding.

Est. cost: High

Implement coastal protection measures

Near-term

Construct seawalls, groynes, and other coastal defenses to protect against erosion and storm surge.

Est. cost: Very High

Develop a heatwave management plan

Immediate

Establish cooling centers, provide public education on heat safety, and implement measures to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Medium

Enhance bushfire preparedness

Long-term

Conduct controlled burns, clear vegetation around properties, and educate residents on bushfire safety.

Est. cost: Medium

Promote water conservation

Long-term

Encourage water-wise gardening, install rainwater tanks, and implement water restrictions during dry periods.

Est. cost: Low

Council & Emergency Services

City of Stirling
Emergency Services

Data last updated: 22 March 2026

Explore Scarborough Risk Reports

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Scarborough in a bushfire prone area?

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

BAL ratings in Scarborough 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 Scarborough?

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

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 Scarborough is exposed to high bushfire risk?

ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 14.1% of Scarborough in high-risk zones for bushfire, with a further 61.3% 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 Scarborough Safe from Climate Risk?

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