Southern Australia can predominantly look to a ‘normal’ fire risk this spring, a national council has predicted. Photo: Woronora Bushfire Brigade.
A national council has forecast a `normal’ bushfire risk for southern Australia, but warns against complacency.
The Australian and New Zealand Council for Fire and Emergency Services (AFAC) has released its Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for spring.
In southern Australia, the report forecasts a rainy spring may contribute to fire risks through fuel growth.
“While this [the rainfall] is expected to lower fire risk during spring, it may also encourage significant grass growth in central and western areas,” the Seasonal Bushfire Outlook states.
“Fire agencies and land managers are closely monitoring conditions, as a shift to a more neutral outlook could increase the potential for problematic fires later in the season.”
District coordinator for the NSW RFS Far South Coast, Chris Anderson, said his area, which covers the Bega Valley and Eurobodalla shires, had seen consistent rainfall in winter.
He said this had affected the ability to complete hazard reduction burns and manage fuel loads.
“What we are expecting on the Far South Coast is just a normal bushfire season,” he told Region.
According to AFAC, south-eastern Australia along with the northern and western parts of the state are set to experience above-average temperatures from September to November.
Overnight temperatures are expected to be warmer across the country.
Mr Anderson pointed to recent winds in the South Coast and Illawarra regions, which would help dry growth fuelled by the wet winter.
He said there had been “significant growth” in South Coast grasslands.
“If we do go into a drier period … there is a lot of fuel out there in the grasslands.
“It is green, but if we get a suspended period of no rain, or higher temperatures and wind, it will dry out quickly.
“That is one key factor we’ll be keeping an eye on as we move into the spring and summer periods.”
Parts of central, western and southern NSW have also seen limited rainfall, which has led to drought conditions in some areas.
If those areas don’t receive more rain, bush and grass could start there, the Outlook states.
Fire mitigation activities in Canberra are important as the capital prepares for a `normal’ bushfire risk this spring, according to AFAC. Photo: Dominic Giannini.
Across the border in the ACT, AFAC said fire mitigation activities were expected to continue into spring, including fuel removal, prescribed burns and other methods.
Above-average rainfall through the season is also likely in the territory.
“Daytime temperatures are forecast to be around average, while overnight temperatures are expected to be above average throughout the season,” the Seasonal Bushfire Outlook states.
“Given the forecast for above-average spring rainfall, the bushfire potential for the ACT is expected to remain normal during spring.”
Mr Anderson urged residents to plan before the statutory Bush Fire Danger Period starts on 1 October.
“When something does happen, it’s too late to plan,” he said.
“People don’t think straight once a fire does start.
“We don’t want people to become complacent [with the evaluation given in the Outlook]. We want people to think about any preparation they need to individually do.”
He said residents could also prepare by mowing their lawns, trimming vegetation near their house and reviewing (or preparing) a bushfire survival plan.
In NSW, RFS brigades are holding ‘Get Ready Weekends’ on 20 September and 21 September to encourage fire safety and preparation.
