Spring is almost upon us, and warmer temperature and drier conditions mean parts of Australia can expect to see bushfire season start a bit early this year.
Last month was the warmest August recorded in Australia since temperature records began, and by a fairly big margin. As a result, areas in four states will face a higher than usual bushfire risk through the spring months of September, October and November.
There is also a likelihood of unusually high maximum temperatures across most of Australia for spring. Above average rainfall is predicted for much of NSW, Queensland, eastern Tasmania and far southeast SA.
Northern threat
The Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for spring 2024, compiled by the National Council for Fire and Emergency Services (formerly the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council or AFAC), shows large parts of Queensland and the Northern Territory will have a much higher than average risk of bushfires during the next three months.
Somewhat paradoxically, cool winter frosts have left large swathes of dry grassland throughout southern and central QLD, increasing the fire fuel load.
In northern parts of QLD and the NT, higher than average rainfall has led to excessive forest growth, also increasing the fuel load.
AFAC warns that both sets of conditions will increase fire risk as temperatures increase.
Low rainfall in the south
At the other end of the country, lower than average winter rainfalls in western Victoria and southeastern SA, leading to large areas of dry grass and increased fuel load.
As a result, authorities are warning of the potential for an early start to the fire season in these parts of SA and Victoria, extending to Tasmania if warm and dry conditions continue to dry out fuels towards summer.
Other regions still on alert
Outside the warning areas, other parts of Australia show a normal risk of bushfires for spring, but AFAC CEO Rob Webb says these communities should still prepare and adhere to advice of local fire authorities as destructive and deadly fires can still occur during normal bushfire seasons across Australia.
“Fire and emergency services are prepared for the fire season ahead and are here today to encourage communities to do the same,” Mr Webb said.
He said now, ahead of peak bushfire season, is the best time to formulate and practice your bushfire plan.
“Now is the time to make a plan,” he says.
“Understand your local risk, know where you will get your information, and talk to your family about what you will do.”
On top of your plan, now is the time to reduce fuel loads around your house, clear leaves from gutters and perform any other preventative maintenance at your property.
Do you live in any of the affected areas? Do you already have a bushfire plan? Let us know in the comments section below.
Also read: Understanding how fire shapes plants will help protect them
