Insurers are still recovering from massive claim payouts following last summer’s bushfires – but new statistics show the danger isn’t over yet and that the industry should brace itself for another severe season.

After bushfires hit much of NSW, the ACT and Victoria, insurers were left with a damage bill of more than $310 million. And, while some argue that this season’s risk will be lower because of last years’ fires, NSW Rural Fire Service Assistant Commissioner Mark Crosweller told Sunrise Exchange News that “there’s no room for complacency”.

“At this stage I can safely say that NSW is cautiously pessimistic,” he said. “All indications from the weather bureau show we’re up for a season that is at par with last year’s severity.”

Risks in Victoria aren’t looking much better either, with drought still affecting much of the state. Despite some rain in recent months, the Country Fire Authority's Acting Chief Officer Craig Lapsley says Victoria is “far from out of the woods yet”.

“Both NSW and Victoria have experienced some rain, but not enough to really assist firefighting efforts,” he said. “The vegetation growth that we’re seeing from that rain will be drying out by October and November- and that’s fuel when the bushfire season starts.”

Mr Crosweller reiterated that 70% of temperatures this summer are likely to be above normal and that between 83 and 90% of the state is still in drought.

Both men said that people and businesses should develop fire emergency plans and ensure they have an available water source close to their property at all times.

Places identified as being at high risk in NSW this season include Warringah-Pittwater, Hawkesbury, Hornsby, Bega, the Blue Mountains, Baulkham Hills and parts of Sutherland. In Victoria, the Wimmera Mallee is listed as “high risk”.