Bushfire Survival Kit Checklist: What to Pack (Australia, 2026)

In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000). This guide gives general information only. It doesn’t replace your state fire agency’s advice or your own bushfire survival plan. If anything here differs from what your local agency says, follow your agency.

A bushfire survival kit is a packed, ready-to-grab set of documents, medicines, water, food, a battery radio, a torch, chargers, 100% wool blankets, protective clothing and P2 masks. It needs to cover everyone in the house, pets included, for at least three days. Pack it before fire season. Leaving early is the safest choice.

The checklists below come from the state fire agencies: NSW RFS, CFA (Vic), Queensland Fire Department (QFD), SA Country Fire Service (CFS) and DFES (WA). A printable checklist is at the end. Where agencies differ, follow your own state agency.

Last reviewed: 1 November 2026, by the Survivalist team, against the live agency pages listed under Sources.

Make your bushfire plan before you pack

A kit only helps if it backs up a plan: decide when you will leave, where you will go and what you will take, then pack to match.

• Leaving early is the safest option. The NSW RFS Bush Fire Survival Plan puts it as “LEAVE EARLY, YOUR SAFEST CHOICE” and adds: “If you’re not sure or aren’t prepared, you should leave early.” QFD says “Leaving early is always the safest option.”
• Use the Fire Danger Rating as your trigger. Under the Australian Fire Danger Rating System, ratings run Moderate, High, Extreme and Catastrophic. NSW RFS says you can use them “as a trigger for action in your bush fire survival plan, such as leaving bush fire risk areas on days of Extreme or Catastrophic fire danger.” On Catastrophic days the message is “For your survival, leave bush fire risk areas.”
• Leave early, and don’t wait for a warning. CFA advises leaving “the night before or by 10 am on days rated as Extreme or Catastrophic” and says “Many people who die in bushfires wait too long to leave.” QFD also says “Do not wait for an official warning”.
• Staying is for the well prepared only. NSW RFS lists the times when it isn’t safe to stay: on Catastrophic days; on Extreme days if your home isn’t specially designed and built for bushfire; if the property isn’t well maintained; or if the people there aren’t mentally and physically fit to defend it. QFD says to consider staying on Extreme days only if you are well prepared, with at least two adults.

To make the plan, use your state’s tool: the RFS Bush Fire Survival Plan (or the MyFirePlan app), QFD’s bushfire pages, or the plan in the Emergency WA app via DFES. The RFS plan says to “include pets, identification and irreplaceable items like photos or documents.”

The leave-early kit (evacuation kit)

This is the kit most households need: what goes in the car the night before a high-risk day. CFA says to prepare for being away for “days or weeks”, having no power, no phone or internet, “needing to prove your identity and address”, and “long periods of waiting”. CFA and Victoria’s Plan and prepare page say to plan for three days. CFS SA plans for “up to four days following a fire”.

Item	What to pack	Why, and who says so
Documents	Passports, licences, birth certificates, will, insurance policy numbers, rates notice or lease. Keep digital copies on a USB stick or in the cloud.	CFA: you may need hard-copy proof of identity and address at traffic control points or for insurers. QFD and CFS list a USB stick.
Medicines	Medicines, scripts, medical devices, plus a first aid kit with a manual	Listed by every agency. NSW Government specifies a first aid kit with a manual.
Cash and cards	Some cash, wallets, bank cards	Listed by vic.gov.au and QFD. EFTPOS may be down if the power is out.
Phone and power	Phone, charger, power bank, plus a laptop or tablet if you need it	CFA and CFS. CFS: “Consider packing a portable charger for your mobile.”
Contact list	Printed numbers for family, doctor, school, bank, council and insurer	CFA: phone and internet often drop out during and after fires.
Battery radio	AM/FM radio with spare batteries, tuned to your local ABC station	Every agency lists one. ABC local radio is the emergency broadcaster.
Torch	Battery or wind-up torch, a head torch and spare batteries	QFD: “don’t leave batteries in your torch or radio and check them every six months”.
Water and food	Drinking water plus food that is easy to pack and eat	CFS: “Three litres of drinking water per day is the recommended amount of water you should keep in your emergency kit”. CFS doesn’t say per person. NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services says “at least 3 litres of water per person per day”. CFS also says “food for at least 48 hours”.
P2/N95 masks	Several per person	NSW Government: “P2/N95-rated face masks can filter out the fine particles in smoke”.
Wool blankets	One 100% wool blanket per person	CFA: pure wool, “not blankets made from a wool blend, or synthetic fibres”.
Protective clothing	One natural-fibre set per person (see below)	QFD and CFS put it in the evacuation kit too, not only the stay kit.
Clothes and toiletries	A change of clothes, a jumper and toiletries	CFA and vic.gov.au.
Pets	Food, water, bowls, lead or carrier, medicines and records	QFD, CFS, CFA and NSW Government. More below.
Keepsakes	Photos, jewellery and anything irreplaceable	CFA suggests moving keepsakes off the property for summer.
Comfort items	Kids’ toys, a pack of cards	CFA lists both for long waits.

Store it all in a sturdy, waterproof container that one person can lift. NSW Government suggests adding reflective tape so it’s easy to find in the dark. For more on water quantities, see how much water to store for an emergency . For an all-hazards kit that also covers floods and storms, see the 72-hour emergency kit guide.

The stay-at-home kit (stay and defend)

This kit is only for people fully prepared to defend a well-prepared home. It isn’t a backup for people who left too late. On top of the leave-early kit, the agencies list:

• Water that doesn’t depend on mains supply. QFD says “Do not plan to rely on mains water” and calls for a “minimum 10,000 litres water on an independent supply”. CFA adds that you will likely need “closer to 40,000 litres”.
• A firefighting pump that doesn’t need mains power, protected from radiant heat (CFA), plus hoses that reach all the way around the house.
• Buckets, mops, a shovel, a metal rake, a ladder, a backpack sprayer, towels and fire extinguishers. These come from the QFD and RFS lists. CFS also lists gutter bungs.
• Protective clothing and a P2 mask for every person who is defending the property.
• 100% wool blankets. CFS SA says to have a “woollen blanket for each person”.

The RFS survival plan is direct about it: “If you have not ticked off all of the items above you are not prepared to tackle a major fire.” CFA also warns: “The advice on this page doesn’t guarantee your survival.”

Bushfire first aid: burns, smoke and eyes

Burns. St John’s burn fact sheet says: “As soon as possible, hold the burnt area under cool running water for 20 minutes.” healthdirect adds that cool running water “can continue to help the burn for up to 3 hours.” Don’t put lotions, ointments, fat or ice on a burn, and don’t burst blisters. Cover it with a light, loose, non-stick dressing such as cling film (healthdirect says not to use cling film on the face). Get medical help if the burn is larger than a 20-cent piece or deep. Call 000 if it’s severe or involves the airway. Running water is the treatment, so keep drinking water and first aid water separate if you can.

Smoke. The Australian Centre for Disease Control says to “Keep a supply of P2/N95 face masks at home”. When smoke is heavy, it says to close windows and doors and wear a properly fitted P2 or N95 mask. HealthyWA notes that a respirator must “form a tight seal around the mouth and nose” and that a seal is hard to keep with facial hair, including short beards. Breathing through a P2 mask also takes more effort. If you have asthma or a heart or lung condition, follow your doctor’s advice.

Eyes. Pack goggles. CFS suggests artificial tears to flush ash from your eyes.

Heat. QFD says to call 000 for heat stroke. Drink water often on a hot day, especially if you’re working outside.

First aid gear worth adding

These are optional extras for a household kit. They don’t replace the agency lists above. Prices and stock were checked on 2 November 2026 and will change.

• SURVIVAL Burn Module (affiliate link) (A$119.95, in stock). Hydrogel, burn sheets, a hydroactive dressing and an instruction card, in a grab-and-go pack. The Burn Module – Large (affiliate link) (A$219.95, in stock) adds a 40 × 60 cm hydrogel pad and a hydrogel face mask. A burn dressing goes on after you’ve cooled the burn with water. It doesn’t replace the water.
• SURVIVAL First Aid KIT – Large (affiliate link) (A$274.95, in stock). The maker’s largest single kit, built for three or more people. For a home kit plus one for each car, the Family First Aid Bundle (Gen 8) (affiliate link) (A$649.50, in stock) contains one Large kit, two Small kits and a first aid handbook.
• Emergency foil blanket, 2.1 m × 1.6 m (affiliate link) (A$5.10, in stock). The maker says it’s for keeping a patient warm. It is not a replacement for the 100% wool blanket the agencies recommend for radiant heat.

For a longer first aid comparison, see best first aid kit for camping and 4WD .

Protective clothing: what to wear

CFA says “this clothing can only protect you from low heat”. The agency lists agree on the basics:

• A long-sleeved shirt made from cotton or wool, with a collar you can turn up to protect your neck (CFA).
• Long cotton pants or jeans. CFA warns against “tight, stretch denim, as the elastic can melt into your skin”.
• Sturdy leather boots with wool or cotton socks.
• Leather gloves. CFA says “not rubber or synthetic”.
• A wide-brimmed hat.
• Goggles or safety glasses.
• A P2 mask. NSW RFS also lists a moistened facemask or cloth, and CFA lists a cotton scarf if you don’t have a P2.

CFS SA sums it up: “100% natural fabrics such as cotton, denim or wool - synthetics can melt or burn”. CFA adds: “Do not wear a t-shirt, shorts, thongs, or synthetic materials.”

So fleece, polyester hiking shirts, nylon rain shells and most technical outdoor gear don’t belong in your bushfire clothing. Pack one natural-fibre set per person with the kit.

Smoke, power outages and staying informed

Mobile networks and power often fail during fires, so have more than one way to get warnings.

• Your state’s warnings app or site: the Hazards Near Me app and RFS Fires Near Me map (NSW), VicEmergency (Vic, recommended by CFA; hotline 1800 226 226), QFD and your council’s disaster dashboard via Queensland Disaster Management (Qld), the Alert SA app, which CFS links to (SA; CFS Information Hotline 1800 362 361) and Emergency WA (WA; DFES Emergency Information Line 13 3337).
• ABC local radio on a battery radio. ABC Emergency suggests looking up your local frequency, writing it down and sticking it on the battery-powered radio in your kit. Set the same station in your car.
• Today’s Fire Danger Rating. Check your state agency or the Bureau of Meteorology each morning in fire season. Victoria and CFA note that ratings are forecast up to four days ahead.
• Power for phones. A power bank covers a few days of phone charging. If you also need to run a fridge or medical equipment through an outage, see best portable power station for home backup. A power station isn’t firefighting equipment and doesn’t replace the pump that doesn’t need mains power that CFA describes.

If you see smoke and flames, call 000. Don’t assume someone else already has.

Pets and livestock

CFA’s pets page is clear: “Leaving early is the safest option for you and your pets. Always put your safety ahead of your pets’ safety.” If you leave late, you might not be able to take them with you.

Pet kit. NSW Government suggests packing for 3 to 7 days: food, water and bowls, medicines, bedding, ID tags, collars and leads, registration and vaccination papers, an animal first aid kit and vet contacts. CFS SA and QFD add carriers and a familiar toy. Keep microchip details current and save records to the cloud.

Before the day. Decide where your pets will go on high-risk days (a friend’s place, a kennel, or wherever you’re going yourself, if they’ll be accepted). Practise loading them into the car. CFS says that if you’re home, shut your pets inside so they’re close by, and have leads and water ready in case you leave.

If you’re staying. RFS and QFD both say to keep pets inside in one room (QFD adds: with plenty of water) and to move livestock to a well-grazed or ploughed area. CFS warns against shutting animals in a stable or small yard. Plan livestock moves well before fire season.

Where to keep the kit and when to check it

• Where: somewhere easy to reach. CFA suggests the garage, near the front or back door, or an easy-to-reach cupboard. Keep keepsakes and valuables somewhere safe off the property for summer if you can.
• When to pack: CFA says to aim for “autumn or winter, before the fire season starts”. NSW Government says “Pack and check your kit before every storm and bushfire season.”
• Practise: CFA suggests practising packing the car before the season, to make sure everything fits with people and pets on board.
• Batteries and use-by dates: QFD says to check batteries every six months; CFS says at least yearly. Check food, water, medicines and first aid supplies each year and replace anything expired or used.

A smaller version of the same kit belongs in the car. See car emergency kit Australia and bug out bag Australia . If you also live in flood country, the flood emergency kit checklist covers what changes.

Products mentioned

Optional household gear. We checked these listings on Amazon Australia on 2 November 2026. None of these is fire-protective gear.

• P2 masks: 3M P2 Particulate Vertical Flat Fold Disposable Respirator, 25 pack (affiliate link) (check current price on Amazon). The listing says it meets AS/NZS 1716. Follow the fitting instructions, and replace a mask once it’s dirty, damaged or hard to breathe through.
• Battery radio: Panasonic AM/FM Handheld Pocket Radio RF-P50 (affiliate link) (check current price on Amazon). It runs on two AA batteries. Pack spares separately.
• Wool blanket: Molithe 100% Wool Blanket, 62 × 86 in (affiliate link) (check current price on Amazon). The listing says it’s 100% virgin Australian Merino wool with OEKO-TEX certification. Those are the seller’s claims, which we haven’t checked. Whatever you buy, check the label on arrival says 100% wool, not a blend.
• Head torch: EverBrite LED Head Torch, 2 pack (affiliate link) (check current price on Amazon). Runs on AAA batteries (the listing says six are included), so you can swap in spares. Two torches cover two people.

Printable bushfire survival kit checklist

Before fire season

• Bushfire survival plan written and discussed with everyone (when to leave, where to go, how, what to take)
• Warnings app installed (Hazards Near Me, VicEmergency, Alert SA, Emergency WA or your Qld council dashboard)
• Local ABC radio frequency written on the radio
• Pets’ microchip details checked, and a pet plan made
• Keepsakes moved off the property or packed

Leave-early kit (per household, enough for at least 3 days)

• Documents: passports, licences, birth certificates, will, insurance details, rates notice or lease
• USB stick or cloud copy of documents and photos
• Medicines, scripts and medical devices
• First aid kit with manual
• Cash and bank cards
• Phone, charger and power bank
• Printed list of emergency contacts
• Battery-powered AM/FM radio
• Torch, head torch and spare batteries (stored out of the devices)
• Drinking water (CFS: 3 litres a day, not stated per person; NT PFES: at least 3 litres per person per day)
• Easy-to-eat food (CFS: at least 48 hours’ worth)
• P2/N95 masks for each person
• One 100% wool blanket per person
• Goggles or safety glasses
• Change of clothes, jumper and toiletries
• Hand sanitiser and can opener
• Kids’ comfort items and a pack of cards

Protective clothing (per person)

• Long-sleeved cotton or wool shirt with a collar
• Long cotton pants or jeans (not stretch denim)
• Sturdy leather boots, wool or cotton socks
• Leather gloves
• Wide-brimmed hat
• P2 mask and goggles

Pets

• Food and water for 3 to 7 days, plus bowls
• Lead, collar, ID tag, carrier or cage
• Medicines, vaccination and registration papers, vet contacts
• Bedding, toy, litter tray and waste bags

Stay-and-defend extras (only if you’re fully prepared)

• At least 10,000 L of water that doesn’t depend on mains supply
• Firefighting pump that doesn’t need mains power, protected from radiant heat, with fresh fuel and tested
• Hoses that reach all the way around the house
• Buckets, mops, shovel, metal rake, ladder, backpack sprayer, towels
• Gutter bungs
• Full protective clothing and P2 mask for each defender
• One wool blanket per person
• Backup plan if the plan or equipment fails

Every 6 to 12 months

• Batteries tested
• Food, water and medicine dates checked
• First aid kit restocked
• Documents and contact list updated

Sources

All pages were checked live on 1 November 2026.

• NSW Rural Fire Service: Fire Danger Ratings; Bush Fire Survival Plan (full guide, PDF)
• NSW Government: Emergency survival kit; Pets and livestock
• CFA (Vic): When to leave; What to take with you; Equipment you need to defend your property; Pets and bushfires
• Victorian Government: Plan and prepare
• Queensland Fire Department: Will you leave early?; Will you stay?
• SA Country Fire Service: Emergency kits; Nine things you need in your emergency kit; Pets and livestock
• NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services: Cyclones (checked 2 November 2026)
• DFES (WA): Bushfire – prepare
• St John Ambulance Australia: Burn or scald
• healthdirect: Burns and scalds
• Australian Centre for Disease Control: Staying safe from bushfire smoke
• HealthyWA: P1 and P2 face masks
• ABC Emergency: How to listen to ABC Radio in an emergency
• Australian Red Cross: Prepare for emergencies (RediPlan household plan)

General information only. It isn’t professional, medical or emergency advice. Conditions change fast in a bushfire. Follow your state fire agency and emergency services, and call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.