The Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) released the Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Autumn 2024 on Thursday, on the 29th of February, 2024.
The AFAC seeks the cooperation of communities, businesses, and individuals across Australia to remain alert for bushfires this season.
Due to the negative Southern Annual Mode’s average to above-average rainfall, it provided lower-than-normal grass curing and left large areas of forest wetter than normal for this time of year. The summer rainfall in NSW has continued remarkable grass growth, indicating the rapid recovery of areas burnt during the 2019-20 bushfire season.
Along with cooler, more moderate conditions this upcoming season, NSW is forecast to experience more moderate conditions and generally normal fire potential in the following months.
“Australia’s summer temperatures were generally average to warmer than average for most of the country, and this will continue into autumn with maximum and minimum temperatures very likely to be above median across almost all of Australia,” the Bushfire Seasonal for Autumn reported.
Meanwhile, parts of Central and Western Australia are expected to experience an increased fire risk across autumn.
AFAC CEO Rob Webb mentioned on Thursday that an increased bushfire risk makes taking action vital this season.
“The end of summer does not signal the end of bushfire risk for Australia, and communities should be mindful of residual risk in their area. Fire authorities may also begin to undertake prescribed burning during autumn, and communities should stay informed to mitigate the impact of smoke exposure,” Mr Rob Webb said.
The Seasonal Outlook for last summer showed large parts of NSW and other states with an increased fire risk, mainly due to drought. Summer saw fires in the Cessnock, the Central Coast, and Narrabri.
The report mentioned that NSW fire and land management services will continue prescribed burning despite generally average fire potential to reduce possible community-damaging fires.
This Seasonal Bushfire Outlook was developed by the Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, the NSW Rural Fire Service, ACT Emergency Services Agency, ACT Parks and Conservation Service, Country Fire Authority, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action Victoria, Tasmania Fire Service, SA Country Fire Service, Department of Fire and Emergency Services and Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions WA, Bushfires NT and AFAC.
