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🇦🇺 Australia /Environment & Climate

Bushfire outlook shows increased risk in parts of NSW and WA

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Bushfire season may start earlier in parts of Western Australia and New South Wales due to warmer and drier winter forecasts.
  • Fire authorities are urging residents to prepare their properties now, as conditions could become challenging by spring.
  • Elevated grass fuel loads in Western Australia and dry conditions in New South Wales contribute to the increased fire risk.

Parts of Western Australia and New South Wales face an increased risk of an earlier bushfire season, according to fire authorities. The Australian and New Zealand Council for Fire and Emergency Services (AFAC) has issued a seasonal outlook indicating higher fire potential due to forecasts of above-average temperatures and below-average soil moisture.

Soil moisture is very much below average in north eastern NSW, parts of southern Queensland, Tasmania and Western Australia.

— Sandra WhiteAFAC executive director for national capability Sandra White describing the dry conditions contributing to fire risk.

Sandra White, AFAC's executive director for national capability, highlighted the significant dryness in northeastern New South Wales, parts of Queensland, Tasmania, and Western Australia. "While rainfall in late May can contribute to easing, there's just such a deficit and dryness in much of these regions," White stated. She added that without substantial rain, the potential for increased fire activity later in winter is high.

While rainfall in late May can contribute to easing, there's just such a deficit and dryness in much of these regions.

— Sandra WhiteSandra White explaining the impact of current dry conditions on potential fire activity.

Primary producers and residents are being urged to use the current milder conditions to prepare their properties. "It's more likely that we will get an earlier start to the season, so conditions in spring could prove to be quite tricky," White warned. This includes reducing fuel loads and managing properties to mitigate risks ahead of a potentially difficult spring and summer.

We really were looking for a good, proper wet winter and unfortunately, the climate outlook information from the Bureau of Meteorology is actually suggesting that Australia is likely to have above-average daytime and overnight temperatures.

— Sandra WhiteSandra White expressing concern over the climate outlook for winter.

In Western Australia, elevated grass fuel loads following a wet season, combined with ongoing dry conditions, are increasing fire risk in areas like Dampierland and the northern Great Sandy Desert. Fire authorities in New South Wales's New England district are also preparing for the heightened risk, emphasizing the need for proactive measures.

It's more likely that we will get an earlier start to the season, so conditions in spring could prove to be quite tricky.

— Sandra WhiteSandra White warning about the potential for an early and challenging bushfire season.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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