'Varied' bushfire risk across Australia this summer despite months of rain
Australians are being warned of a varied bushfire risk this summer despite months of heavy rain and significant flooding along the east coast.
The Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) has today released its seasonal bushfire outlook for the upcoming summer.
AFAC said heavy rainfall and flooding across large parts of Australia have also increased vegetation growth and in turn the bushfire potential for some areas.
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AFAC has warned parts of Australia will see an above normal fire risk despite months of rain. AFAC
"This, coupled with expected warmer and drier conditions later in the season, is generating varied fire potential for summer 2022," AFAC said.
The authority warned the bushfire risk "may quickly rise" over summer with some regions starting with a below-normal risk and transitioning to an above-normal risk later in the season.
Above normal fire potential is expected in central western and southern Western Australia, central Australia, southern Queensland and inland NSW, AFAC warned.
Parts of New South Wales, Victoria and the ACT are forecast to have below-normal fire potential because of damper ground conditions.
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AFAC said Western Australia, Central Australia and southern Queensland will see an above normal fire risk. Colin Cheetham
AFAC CEO Rob Webb said there is a "diversity" of fire risk this summer and Aussies need to remain vigilant.
"As we enter summer, we will use this outlook to guide our operational and strategic planning, and jurisdictional fire and emergency services will continue to monitor local conditions," Webb said.
Most of Australia shows normal fire potential during the summer, but the council warns that destructive and deadly fires can still occur during normal bushfire seasons.
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