The Australian and New Zealand Council for Fire and Emergency Services has released its bushfire outlook for autumn.
The fire risk has increased for parts of southern, central, and eastern NSW as well as large chunks of Victoria that extend into southeastern South Australia, and parts of WA.
What’s caused it?
According to the report, bushfire risk is rising due to long-term drought in Victoria and South Australia, as well as dryness in NSW and soil moisture deficits across parts of WA and the south-east.
While northern and central Australia have above-average soil moisture, parts of north-eastern NSW and the south-east remain very dry.
Sea surface temperatures have been mostly cooler than average, except off parts of WA.
VIC Emergency
In a Facebook Post on Thursday, Vic Emergency said the state “has faced a very hot and dry summer season this year already. These conditions are set to continue well into autumn, increasing the potential for fires to start and spread.”
Australian and New Zealand Council for Fire and Emergency Services (AFAC) CEO Rob Webb said autumn in southern Australia would usually see fire risk reduced, creating more chances for controlled burns.
However, with the increased long-term dryness we’re seeing, these burns will likely be delayed.
