One state bracing for ‘extreme fire danger’ ahead of expected record summer

NSW is home to eight of the country’s 10 most dangerous bushfire hotspots as Australia braces for a potentially record-breaking summer, new data reveals.

The data from insurance group GIO revealed the top four spots were all claimed by NSW regions: Batemans Bay, Gosford, Wyong, and Shoalhaven.

The insurer’s severe weather meteorologist Andrew Bufalino warned this summer could rank among the hottest on record, with the looming El Nino system compounding fire risks.

“There is the potential for a very hot summer across Australia, with an increased risk of extreme fire danger across parts of eastern Australia,” Bufalino said.

“Should rainfall deficiencies return to areas that have recently experienced wetter conditions, fuel drying could accelerate rapidly under hot conditions, substantially increasing the risk of bushfire.

“Even in seasons where widespread bushfire activity is not expected, a single period of hot, dry and windy weather can still create significant localised fire activity.”

The rankings were compiled using the insurer’s Haven digital tool, which combines property, location and weather information with GIO’s natural peril risk data to assess bushfire threats for Australian homeowners.

Other high-risk NSW areas that made the top 10 include the Hunter Valley, the Blue Mountains, and parts of Sydney’s north-west, including Blacktown, The Hills Shire, and Penrith.

The insurers head of home insurance Josh Kelland stressed that early household preparation is crucial to ensure that Australians stay safe as the scorching heat looms.

“Disaster seasons can be stressful for those living in high-risk regions, but if you prepare your home and your family before disaster strikes, you can lessen the impact, both to the home and to your family’s wellbeing,” he said.

“Preventative measures such as clearing out your gutters, trimming trees and packing a ‘grab and go’ kit ensures you’re prepped and ready, providing peace of mind ahead of an unpredictable El Niño cycle around the corner.

“Ticking off those little chores around the house could make a world of difference this summer.”