PARTS of SA have a greater than normal bushfire risk in the upcoming fire season, according to the Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook.
The outlook was recently released by the Bushfire and Natural Hazard Cooperative Research Centre and one of the regions that has above-average fire potential is the Lower Eyre Peninsula.
The Lower EP has received good rainfall resulting in a good cropping season and higher than normal grass growth, causing an increased fuel load.
According to the outlook, Kangaroo Island also has above-average fire potential due to different vegetation types causing either drier than average, or wetter than average, conditions across the island.
Related reading: TImelapse of Australian drought from space
Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC chief executive officer Richard Thornton urges community members to have a bushfire plan in place, in case of the worst.
"Our findings show only about 5 per cent of people have a proper bushfire plan, let alone a backup plan if unexpected things happen," he said.
"This places them at much more risk should a fire occur. It will be hot, windy, dark and incredibly stressful. Having a plan in place ahead is vital.
"Think about backup options - what will happen if you're not home when a fire starts or your family gets separated and don't forget about your pets or livestock."
No forecasts are indicating above-average rainfall in spring and summer, which may prolong the fire season across parts of SA.
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