# AI tells a user in Australia to call 000 for a bushfire, but 000 may route to police instead of fire dispatch in some states, and 112 is the universal emergency number on mobiles

- **ID:** `emergency/ai-advises-calling-000-for-fire-in-australia`
- **Domain:** emergency
- **Category:** life_safety
- **Error Code:** `E911-INTL-ERR-003`
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 82%

## Root Cause

The AI assumes 000 is the sole and correct number for all emergencies in Australia, but in states like NSW and Victoria, 000 routes to a triple-zero operator who may transfer to fire, police, or ambulance; 112 works on any mobile network, and 106 is for TTY users; the correct number for fire can depend on the state's emergency services organization.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| Telstra Triple Zero | active | — | — |
| Optus Triple Zero | active | — | — |
| Vodafone Triple Zero | active | — | — |
| iOS 17 Emergency SOS | active | — | — |
| Android 14 Emergency Location | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Dial 112 from any mobile phone in Australia; it automatically redirects to the local emergency service (000). 112 is the GSM standard and works even if the phone is locked or has no SIM.** (95% success)
   ```
   Dial 112 from any mobile phone in Australia; it automatically redirects to the local emergency service (000). 112 is the GSM standard and works even if the phone is locked or has no SIM.
   ```
2. **If you are in a state with a dedicated fire service number (e.g., 1800 679 737 for NSW Rural Fire Service), use that for non-life-threatening bushfire reports, but always call 000 for immediate danger.** (70% success)
   ```
   If you are in a state with a dedicated fire service number (e.g., 1800 679 737 for NSW Rural Fire Service), use that for non-life-threatening bushfire reports, but always call 000 for immediate danger.
   ```
3. **Enable Emergency SOS on iPhone (Settings > Emergency SOS > 'Call with Hold and Release') which can be configured to call 000 with a rapid button press; on Android, enable 'Emergency SOS' under Safety & Emergency settings.** (85% success)
   ```
   Enable Emergency SOS on iPhone (Settings > Emergency SOS > 'Call with Hold and Release') which can be configured to call 000 with a rapid button press; on Android, enable 'Emergency SOS' under Safety & Emergency settings.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **Tell user to call 000 from a landline for faster fire dispatch** — Landlines may not be available during a bushfire; mobile calls to 000 are handled by the same operator network but may have location accuracy issues. (55% fail)
- **Advise user to call the local fire station directly** — Local stations may be unmanned or overwhelmed during a bushfire; 000 ensures centralized dispatch. (80% fail)
- **Suggest using a bushfire alert app instead of calling** — Apps like 'Fires Near Me' are for information, not for reporting; active emergencies must be called in. (90% fail)