Bushfire risk across Australia

AUSTRALIA'S BUSHFIRE RISK THIS SUMMER:

VICTORIA

Large areas to have an increased risk of fires due to lower rainfall with soils and fuel already dry. Indications are the bushfire season will begin early.

NSW

The emerging El Nino weather system in the Pacific Ocean is expected to result in drier conditions and higher temperatures lifting the bushfire risk across the forested eastern parts of the state.

QUEENSLAND

Normal risk for much of the state, including the north and central districts. An increased risk forecast for the south-east corner. El Nino is also expected to increase the flammability of forest fuels.

TASMANIA

Normal risk for much of the state except the east coast extending south from St Helens. Spring rains are likely to determine the severity of the bushfire season.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Normal risk for most of the state with only the southeast considered at higher risk. This area has received below average rainfall over the past six months.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

The goldfields and desert areas will have an increased risk of bushfires along with the state's southwest where low rainfall is the key factor.

(Source: Bushfire and Natural Hazards Co-operative Research Centre)