Large swathes of Australia to brace themselves for higher bush fire risks in spring

SYDNEY – Australian businesses and communities are being urged to prepare for a significant bush fire season in the upcoming spring. Large swathes of the Northern Territory, Queensland and New South Wales, as well as regions in Victoria and South Australia, are expected to encounter increased risk of bush fires, according to the Australasian Fire Authorities Council (Afac) outlook released on Wednesday.

It has attributed the increased risk of bush fires to forecasts of above-average temperatures, below-average rainfall, high fuel loads and shifting climate patterns from September to November.

Above-average rainfall during consecutive La Nina weather events over the last three years has led to large areas of high fuel and grass loads across much of the country, the report said.

These fuel and grass loads are predicted to dry out in the coming months because of drier-than-average conditions and frost curing. In the event of fires and windy weather, high grass fuel loads that are sufficiently dry can support intense and fast-spreading grass fires.

“The climate influences driving increased risk of bush fire this season are widespread. Almost the entire country can expect drier and warmer conditions than normal this spring, so it is important for Australians to be alert to local risks of bush fire over the coming months, regardless of their location,” said Afac chief executive Rob Webb.

“Fire is a regular part of the Australian landscape in spring. Wherever you live, work or travel, now is the time to plan and prepare,” Mr Webb added. XINHUA