Australian Fire Shelters

NCC Class 10c Private Bushfire Shelter • Australian Fire Shelters

CSIRO Bushfire Shelter Test Evidence & Engineering Reports (Ref: FE2828)

Full-scale physical destructive fire test data from the CSIRO Mogo facility (Appraisal FE2828) demonstrating structural envelope stability, passive thermal attenuation, and tenability for NCC Class 10c Private Bushfire Shelters under direct flame immersion up to 1,024°C.

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1. Full Flame Exposure Burn Testing (FE2828Rpt3 Rev D)

Conducted at the CSIRO Mogo bushfire testing station. The TFSUFZ shelter was subjected to severe direct flame immersion exceeding 1,000°C+ simulating extreme Flame Zone (BAL-FZ) front passage. Internal temperatures remained stable below 30°C throughout testing.

2. 29 kW/m² Severe Radiant Heat Exposure (FE2828Rpt2 Rev E)

Testing confirmed passive thermal barrier performance and compression door seal integrity under high radiant flux with positive internal air tenability preservation.

3. 500kg Timber Falling Debris Test (Bomen Report)

Structural impact testing evaluated the reinforced roof shell against a 500kg tree limb dropped from height, proving structural resistance without interior hull penetration.

4. Fire Safety & Structural Peer Reviews

Comprehensive engineering reviews by registered fire safety engineers and chartered structural engineers verifying compliance pathways against ABCB Performance Standard 2014.

Official Regulatory Notice:

CSIRO reports record physical testing performance under specific test regimes and do not constitute a product certification, approval, or endorsement. Complete technical test dossiers are provided directly to certifiers and building surveyors to support assessment.

NCC Class 10c Private Bushfire Shelter • Patent Pending

Engineered & CSIRO-Tested Above-Ground Bushfire Shelters for High-Risk Properties.

The Transportable Fire Shelter Unit (TFSUFZ) is a factory-built Class 10c Private Bushfire Shelter engineered in regional Australia. Full-scale physical fire testing at the CSIRO Mogo facility to 1,024°C provides verified tenability evidence for municipal building surveyor assessment when evacuation is compromised.

Request a Quote Explore Our Shelters

Tell us about your property and the shelter you're considering. We'll discuss your requirements, site suitability and the next steps towards a quote.

CSIRO Testing Evidence & Engineering Reports (Ref: FE2828)

Australian Fire Shelters undergo full-scale physical destructive fire testing at Australia's accredited research facilities. Citing CSIRO Mogo Appraisal FE2828 (nominal 29 kW/m² radiant heat wash and direct flame immersion up to 1,024°C) and Bomen falling timber drop testing (500kg log impact resistance).

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Evaluated Shelter Configurations

Engineered as transportable above-ground private bushfire refuges for residential acreage, farmsteads, local government facilities, and commercial rural sites.

Model TFSUFZ — Flame Zone Refuge

Configured for 3 occupants in extreme BAL-FZ conditions. Engineered with heavy-gauge structural steel chassis, non-combustible Aerated Concrete thermal envelope, and high-integrity intumescent perimeter seals.

Model TFSU29 — BAL-29 Refuge

Configured for up to 4 occupants in bushfire attack levels up to BAL-29 with dual permanent passive vents sealed with fireproof plugs during bushfire events.

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Statutory Approval Pathway: NCC Class 10c Private Bushfire Shelter

Private bushfire shelters are classified under the National Construction Code (NCC) / Building Code of Australia (BCA) as Class 10c structures. Approval is achieved through a Performance Solution assessed by an appointed municipal building surveyor or accredited private certifier. Australian Fire Shelters provides the complete technical engineering pack, structural computations, and CSIRO test appraisal FE2828 to support your certifier's assessment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a private bushfire shelter and how does an above-ground refuge work?
An above-ground private bushfire shelter is an engineered life-safety refuge of last resort operating under NCC Class 10c performance requirements. Its heavy structural steel chassis and multi-barrier thermal envelope attenuate extreme radiant heat and exclude smoke while fire fronts pass.
What is the difference between Class 10c and a shipping container or timber shed?
Shipping containers and corrugated steel sheds are single-skin structures without non-conductive thermal breaks. Under intense radiant heat, thin steel conducts heat rapidly, elevating internal temperatures above 300°C and releasing toxic off-gassing from paints and floor treatments. A dedicated Class 10c refuge is engineered specifically to withstand intense thermal radiation and maintain tenable conditions.
What are the standard site setback and foundation requirements?
Installation requires a minimum 6-metre clear defensible setback from the primary dwelling or unmanaged combustible hazards. The unit is sited on a 150mm reinforced concrete slab or compacted 200mm crushed-rock pad (100 kPa minimum bearing capacity).
How is the shelter delivered and installed?
Each shelter is 100% prefabricated in regional NSW and transported directly to your property on a heavy tilt-tray or crane truck. Placement onto the prepared foundation pad takes approximately 45 minutes.