Overview
- The Australasian Fire Authorities Council published its spring seasonal bushfire outlook on Wednesday warning that most states and territories, except the ACT, face an increased fire risk for September to November.
- The Bureau of Meteorology declared an El Niño in June and says the event is strengthening with the potential to become very strong, which raises the likelihood of below‑average rainfall in eastern Australia and warmer temperatures in the south.
- Recent heavy rains and floods in parts of central and northern Australia produced large amounts of vegetation that has created extensive continuous fuel loads, with the Northern Territory flagged as a particular hotspot.
- Fire agencies are urging communities to prepare early by updating survival plans, knowing local emergency information channels and planning evacuation options while stressing the outlook does not guarantee a repeat of the 2019–20 Black Summer.
- Experts warn that climate change, possible shifts in other ocean drivers such as a positive Indian Ocean Dipole, and fast onsets of heat and drying could bring an earlier, longer and more intense season and increase the chance of fast‑moving fires that threaten homes and small communities.