As grey nomads head out into Australia’s remote and beautiful countryside in the months ahead, they need to be more alert to the bushfire threat than ever.
New research shows that huge areas of the country face above average chances of grass fires and bushfires this summer.
In its seasonal bushfire outlook for southern Australia, the Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) has found recent warm weather, coupled with generous rainfalls, has led to a build up of dry fuel in grasslands and forests.
The weather bureau says the past year has been the warmest on record in many areas and large parts of southern Australia, especially along the east and west coasts extending inland, face above normal fire potential this fire season.
The CRC’s state-by-state outlook is:
VICTORIA:
The risk of fire is above average throughout Victoria’s heartland and in the east, including east Gippsland. Western, central and north-east Victoria currently appear to be the highest risk areas. Spring rainfall patterns will dictate the severity of the fire risk and grass growth is being closely monitored.
NEW SOUTH WALES
Above average rainfall over the past three years has led to a build up of grass fuel across parts of the state. With the exception of north-eastern coastal areas and the far west, the state is expecting above average bushfire conditions this season. The Tablelands, the Upper Hunter and west of the Great Dividing Range are the areas of most cocern.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Above normal fire potential is predicted in the North West Pastoral and Flinders districts due to abundant rain and the growth of grass fuels.
TASMANIA
Normal fire activity is expected across Tasmania this season, but small areas in the Derwent Valley and the mid-east coast are currently drier than usual.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Above normal bushfire potential is also forecast in the south west. A normal fire season is expected for the Wheatbelt, the Nullarbor, east of the Fraser Range. High rainfall across the mid west and desert regions has led to high rate of grass growth and high fuel loads, and consequently, above average fire potential.
QUEENSLAND
An above normal fire potential has been predicted for areas between Dalby and Warwick, south to the NSW border and west to Goondiwindi. Also at a heightened risk is the area to the west between Wallumbilla and Dulacca, south to St George and an area extending from the Sunshine Coast hinterland, into the western areas of the Wide Bay Burnett region.
How do you monitor the bushfire risk as you travel? Do you have a bushfire plan? Have you ever been ‘caught out’ in a dangerous bushfire situation. Comment below.
