By Allanah Sciberras in Melbourne

Parts of the country are facing an increased risk of bushfires ahead of spring, with below-average rainfall creating dry conditions.

Towns including those already ravaged by the Black Summer bushfires in Victoria’s far east, along with large sections of the Northern Territory are most at risk in the coming months.

Southeast Queensland, northeastern Tasmania, parts of Western Australia, and northern South Australia are also vulnerable, according to the latest Spring Seasonal Bushfire Outlook.

The heightened risk of fire is driven by a combination of dry conditions in the east and increased fuel loads through parts of central and northern Australia, Australasian Fire Authorities Council chief executive Rob Webb said.

“This outlook highlights a heightened risk of fire across several parts of the country, driven by a combination of dry conditions in the east and increased fuel loads through parts of central and northern Australia,” he said.

“The variety of risk factors across different regions reinforces the need for communities to understand their local conditions and prepare early.”

Below average rainfall across northeast and eastern Tasmania, as well as parts of Victoria has led to increased risk, according to the outlook.

That includes in Mallacoota, located in Victoria’s East Gippsland region, which was devastated by bushfires in 2019-20 when fires burned through more than 1.5 million hectares and claimed the lives of five people.

The Bureau of Meteorology declared in June that forecasts signalled a “strong to very strong” El Nino climatic pattern that could bring drier conditions to central and eastern Australia in spring.

Temperatures are very likely to be above average for most of the country, according to the bureau’s long-range forecast for September to November.

Meanwhile, above average fuel loads and dry soil conditions are contributing to elevated fire risk across parts of WA.

Communities must prepare early and understand the risk factors facing their regions, Mr Webb said.

“While some areas are facing an elevated risk of fire this spring, bushfires can still occur in regions with a normal seasonal outlook,” he said.

“Communities are encouraged to stay informed, monitor local conditions and follow advice from their fire and emergency services as the season unfolds.”

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