Security Screen Doors and Ember Attacks
May 21st, 2026
Every fire season, thousands of Australian homes face one of the most underestimated threats of a bushfire, the ember attack. Understanding how embers travel and what stops them is essential for any homeowner in a bushfire prone area.
At CommandeX, our products are geared towards the provision of privacy and a feeling of safety for your home, and this extends beyond just security against intruders. Our security screen doors and window security screens double as protection against one of the most dangerous elements of a bushfire, the ember attack.
During a bushfire, high winds are often blowing. Between them, and updrafts from the intense heat, a great deal of burning material is picked up from the seat of the fire, and is launched into the air and downwind. This will often set spot fires ablaze prior to the arrival of the main fire and stymies our efforts to create fire breaks and protect our homesteads.
Embers are hot enough to often melt, or otherwise penetrate, weak fly screens. This means they can land on wooden windowsills, or worse, enter the home. But with CommandeX security screen doors and window security screens, constructed of a toughened stainless steel, the embers, like potential intruders, are stopped before they become a threat.
CommandeX security screens are independently tested to AS3959:2018, satisfying bushfire attack level requirements from BAL 12.5 through to BAL-40.
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|---|---|---|
BAL rating | Description of risk | Window Screen Requirements |
| BAL LOW | Lowest risk from a potential fire. | Standard flyscreens and security screens may be used at this level. |
| BAL 12.5 | Risk is primarily from potential embers during a fire. | Openable parts of the window to be screened with metal mesh with a maximum aperture of 2 mm, made from steel, bronze or aluminium. |
| BAL 19 | Increasing levels of ember attack and burning debris ignited by windborne embers together with increasing heat flux between 12.5 and 19 kW m2 | Openable parts of the window to be screened with metal mesh with a maximum aperture of 2 mm, made from steel, bronze or aluminium. |
| BAL 29 | Increasing levels of ember attack and burning debris ignited by windborne embers together with increasing heat flux between 19 and 29 kW m2 | Openable parts of the window to be screened with metal mesh with a maximum aperture of 2 mm, made from steel, bronze or aluminium. |
| BAL 40 | Very high risk. Increasing levels of ember attack and burning debris ignited by windborne embers together with increasing heat flux with the increased likelihood of exposure to flames | Openable parts of the window to be screened with metal mesh with a maximum aperture of 2 mm, made from steel, bronze or stainless steel. |
| BAL FZ | Extreme risk. Directly exposed to the flames of a potential fire front. | Openable parts of the window to be screened with fire shutters only. |
Security screens can satisfy requirements up to BAL-40 as standalone products. BAL-FZ requires fire shutters, security screens alone cannot achieve this rating regardless of the screen used.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ember attack during a bushfire?
An ember attack occurs when burning material is carried by wind ahead of the main fire front sometimes kilometres ahead. Embers land on and around homes starting spot fires before the main fire arrives. Ember attacks are responsible for the majority of home losses during Australian bushfires not the fire front itself.
Do security screens protect against ember attacks?
Yes, SecureView and SaltWaterSeries security screens are independently tested to AS3959:2018 and satisfy bushfire attack level requirements from BAL 12.5 through to BAL-40. The 1.575mm aperture stainless steel mesh stops embers from penetrating windows and doors while standard fly screens can melt or allow embers through.
What is the difference between BAL 40 and BAL-FZ?
BAL 40 is very high risk, exposure to flames is possible but not certain. Security screens meeting AS3959:2018 can satisfy BAL 40 requirements. BAL-FZ is extreme risk direct flame front exposure, where fire shutters are required. CommandeX security screens satisfy BAL 12.5 through to BAL-40 but are not rated for BAL-FZ.
Can SaltWaterSeries be used in coastal bushfire prone areas?
Yes, SaltWaterSeries is specifically recommended for coastal properties in bushfire prone areas. It satisfies both AS3959:2018 BAL 40 bushfire requirements and provides additional corrosion resistance for coastal environments with frame coating tested to 3,000 hours under AS2331.3.1. Backed by a 20 year extended warranty.
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For a free measure and quote from your local CommandeX dealer, fill out the online enquiry form or call us on 1300 720 838. |