Large‑scale transmission towers are not a common cause of bushfires, but like any electrical infrastructure, they can pose a risk in rare circumstances.
Bushfires linked to transmission lines can occur due to factors such as equipment faults, contact with vegetation, or extreme weather events. To minimise these risks, transmission infrastructure in Australia is subject to strict design, construction and maintenance standards.
These controls include wide vegetation clearance zones, regular inspections, fire‑resistant materials, and automatic protection systems that can shut down lines if a fault is detected. On high‑risk fire days, additional operating and monitoring measures may also be put in place.
New transmission projects must complete detailed bushfire risk assessments and implement fire prevention and response plans as part of their approvals.
Overall, strong regulations and ongoing management are designed to keep bushfire risks low.
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