Lack of rainfall and dry conditions across the country have increased the risk of intense bushfires as well as the potential for fires to strike earlier than usual.

The bushfire season officially began this month.

Severe bushfires normally occur in summer, but Bureau of Meteorology scientists and fire managers have warned that this year they could start in spring.

The National Bushfire Co-operative Research Centre has identified several high-risk fire zones, including northern and central regions of NSW, southern Victoria, eastern Tasmania, south-east Queensland, southern portions of SA and south-western WA.

It says “long-term rainfall deficits” and drought have increased forest fuels that are dry and ready to burn.