At present the interim regulations on fire bunkers are in force in the state of Victoria. The regulations made it compulsory the standardization of fire bunkers through approval by building surveyors on satisfying certain conditions. Apart from this, it requires some amenities inside a fire bunker when people use it as a shelter during bushfire. Basically any structure going to be used as a fire shelter should have,

• Safe access to the building.
• Adequate sanitary facilities.
• Provision for looking the external environment.
• Safe egress from the building.
• Provision for identification of such a structure by suitable sign board.

Before installing such a structure, the persons responsible for such installation must specify,

• The maximum number of people that it can accommodate and the duration of maximum stay.
• Actions to which the building may be subjected.
• The possible effect of buildings, vegetation and topography in the vicinity.
• The effect of external fire intensity.
• The prevention of unpleasant experiences within the structure during a fire.

Without proper drainage it is difficult to remove water form a fire bunker especially underground ones. Since most of the fire bunkers are installed into side or slope, special care should be taken not to allow water inside. The base of the bunker may be provided with slotted pipes. To stop ground water and rain water entering into the bunker, a waterproof barrier may be used. A sealable drain hole will allow the water to drain away. However it should not be kept open all the time. If it is kept opened during a fire time smoke and radiant heat may enter inside the bunker. Therefore the sealable drain hole may be kept closed all the time except during a maintenance or cleaning time. This will help to keep away bugs and other creatures entering into the bunker. The drainage can be blocked by brick which is covered by a wet cloth. In any case the opening should not be exposed to radiant heat.

Most of the Fire bunkers are installed as buried into slope or side. There are many advantages for it over the above ground fire bunkers. There may be some requirements like drainage and waterproofing. The fire bunker must be able to withstand the weight of the soil particularly wet soil. Some of the advantages of these bunkers are,

• The fire bunker is insulated by the earth.
• There is cool air inside.
• The exposure to radiant heat is minimum.
• The fire bunker is not fully visible from outside.
• The flames can pass over the bunker.
• Side doors provide easy entry.

However these types of bunkers have their own drawbacks particularly after installation. These may be,

• The excavation and leveling the ground requires labor and money.
• Drainage problems need to be addressed.
• Installation requires some engineering and technical knowledge.