A DRY start to winter had led to an increased risk of bushfire across half of the state.
The Southern Australia Seasonal Bushfire Outlook, released earlier this month, indicates the Eyre Peninsula, West Coast, Mid North, Yorke Peninsula, Mallee, Kangaroo Island, parts of the Riverland and lower Pastoral areas all have an “above normal” bushfire potential in the upcoming fire season.
The Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara and northern pastoral lands are also at increased risk.
With many regions experiencing below average rainfall, soil dryness indices show areas are considerably dryer than they would be in a normal year.
This period of reduced moisture has combined with increased fuel following last year’s above average rain to create areas of increased potential.
The Upper and Lower South East, with average or above average rain experienced for most regions, can expect normal fire potential.
But the dry start to winter has also resulted in fewer crops planted, which may reduce the risk of fires from agricultural activity.
The report states spring and early summer are unlikely to provide substantial rainfall to counteract this status.
