The Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council’s (AFAC) Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for spring has warned that parts of central Australia and northern WA are expected to experience a higher bushfire risk in the upcoming months.

AFAC says increased vegetation fuel loads following significant rainfall in the affected regions has increased the likelihood of fires during warmer and dry conditions.

Regions near Alice Springs in NT and northern WA have introduced bushfire season protocols, limiting fire activities to a minimum.

Areas across NSW, Victoria, and the ACT are expected to have lower fire risk levels as persistent rain continues throughout spring and the fuel loads remain low.

The council says forest fire activity is typically lower in south-eastern Australia during La Nina years, but some regions can experience increased grassfire risk during warm and drier parts of the season.

Most parts of Australia have been assessed as having standard fire potential for the spring season, with residents warned to remain vigilant for risks.

AFAC says the spring outlook is the first of its reports to utilise its new fire rating system to provide better model guidance.

The council says the Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS) utilises innovative technology to provide “a better understanding” of how different fuel types burn and improve threat prediction risk.

The system has focused on improving fire danger communication with Australians through nationally consistent colours, signs, and terminology.

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