Summer bushfire warning for WA

Western Australia is facing another potentially devastating bushfire season, fire authorities say.

The Southern Australia Seasonal Bushfire Outlook released on Wednesday predicts high fuel loads will bring above-average bushfire risk to the South West, Western Gascoyne, Pilbara and Eucla regions over summer.

Department of Fire and Emergency Services deputy commissioner Steve Fewster said people should be prepared following the "catastrophic devastation" in Esperance and Yarloop this past season when lives were lost.

"Unfortunately, we can't predict where the next bushfire will occur, and I encourage everyone to assume that this year a bushfire will occur near them, and make themselves familiar with the bushfire safety information available," he said.

Mr Fewster said people should create a bushfire survival plan and make plans to reduce fuel loads surrounding their property.

"Last season firefighters responded to nearly 5000 bushfires and it only takes one of these to change your life forever," he said.