An early warning has been issued for increased fire risk for the Lower South East during spring, according to the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC).
AFAC has released the Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Spring 2024 which warns of an increased risk of fire for the Limestone Coast.
The outlook identified that mean temperatures for the year to date have been above average to very much above average for most areas, with areas of western WA and northern SA experiencing highest on record maximum temperatures for the period. August also saw widespread above average temperatures and was the warmest August on record.
For spring, there continues to be an increased likelihood of unusually high maximum temperatures across most of Australia. There is an increased chance of above average rainfall for much of NSW, Queensland, eastern Tasmania and far south east SA, while large parts of WA have an increased chance of below average rainfall.
The report warned that for this outlook period, large parts of south east SA and WA and parts of Tasmania received rainfall in the lowest 10% on record for the first half of the year.
“Fire authorities are advising communities of the potential for an early start to the fire season in parts of SA and Victoria and extending to Tasmania if warm and dry conditions continue to dry out fuels towards summer,” the report said.
AFAC chief executive Rob Webb urged communities to prepare and adhere to advice of local fire authorities this spring.
“Fire and emergency services are prepared for the fire season ahead and are here today to encourage communities to do the same,” Mr Webb said.
“Now is the time to make a plan. Understand your local risk, know where you will get your information, and talk to your family about what you will do.”
The Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Spring 2024’s key findings included:
•Predicted above average to extreme temperatures during spring will increase the risk of fire.
•All landscapes are expected to cure faster than usual during spring.
•Areas of note include the far west, the South East and the mid west of South Australia.
•This spring will likely see a continuation of below average rainfall for SA and there is a high chance of well above average temperatures across the state;
•The South East has seen low soil moisture levels due to below average rainfall and above average temperatures during winter.
•If dry conditions persist, grassland growth will not significantly contribute to fuel loads, but forest and scrub areas have continued to grow, and in the absence of significant rain during spring, vegetation curing rates are expected to be rapid and become potential bushfire hazards.
