Australians warned of dangerous spring as bushfire risk rises
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Australians are being urged to prepare early for a potentially hotter, drier and more dangerous spring, with fire authorities warning that bushfire risk is elevated across large parts of the country.
The Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) has identified increased fire danger across parts of New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and the Northern Territory.
The risk varies between regions. Some areas are already very dry, while others have large amounts of vegetation that could provide additional fuel for fires.
Climate conditions are adding to the concern. El Niño is strengthening in the Pacific and could become particularly strong later this year. Forecasters are also watching for a positive Indian Ocean Dipole, which can contribute to warmer and drier conditions across Australia.
Weather analysts warn that the combination could increase the risk of rapid changes in fire conditions, particularly when hot and windy weather arrives.
Parts of NSW and the ACT are facing dry conditions and forecasts for above-average temperatures. South-east Queensland is also under increased fire concern.
Victoria and Tasmania are expected to experience warmer conditions, with below-average rainfall raising concerns about drying landscapes.
Western Australia and South Australia face a mixed situation. Some areas are dry, while others have experienced strong vegetation growth that could become highly flammable as conditions dry out.
In the Northern Territory, heavy fuel loads across large areas could contribute to a longer and more severe fire season, particularly if the wet season is delayed.
AFAC chief executive Rob Webb said communities should understand their local risks and prepare well before conditions worsen.
Authorities are encouraging households and landholders to review bushfire plans, prepare properties where appropriate and monitor local warnings.
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Source : News.com
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