THERE may be limited opportunities to conduct fire reduction burns in South Australia in the lead up to this year's bushfire season, as much of the vegetation is currently too wet to burn, a recent report says.
Although the country is still in the middle of winter, the recent Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook is a timely reminder that the fire season is just around the corner, which started in August for some places in 2019.
The quarterly report is be used by fire authorities to make strategic decisions around resource planning and fire management.
South Australia has experienced average rainfall since March, with exceptions being parts of the South East and north-east, which have seen slightly above average rainfall, and the APY Lands in the north-west, which has experienced below average rainfall.
Variability associated with the path of significant weather systems has meant soil dryness seen across observation points is extremely variable.
For example, in the Flinders and Mount Lofty Ranges, soils are very wet, while in the Riverland and parts of the Eyre Peninsula, soils are quite dry.
Prescribed burning has been undertaken where conditions have allowed, however opportunities in the foreseeable future will be limited due to fuel conditions, with vegetation currently too wet to burn.
There is low potential for fire activity across South Australia for the winter period, which is considered normal for the time of year.
The current climate outlook shows an increased chance of above normal rainfall through to September, which may increase fuel loads in grassland and cropping areas into spring.
Emergency Management Minister David Littleproud said all Australians had to prepare for another tough bushfire season.
"According to the report, the first half of 2020 has seen more rainfall in some parts of the country," Mr Littleproud said.
"While this rain is very welcome it will lead to strong grass growth that, once the grass dries, could pose a significant fire risk."
Mr Littleproud said it was important for households to start thinking about their fire plan now and what they have to do if they need to evacuate.
"With memories of last summer's horror bushfire season still fresh in our minds, all Australians, especially in the high-risk areas outlined in the report, should be planning to protect their family and property," Mr Littleproud said.
"Talk to your neighbours, ask them about their evacuation plan and let them know about your plan.
"If we work together and look out for each other, we'll get through the bushfire season."
Jamieson Murphy
Newcastle Herald news director. Interested in any and all yarns. Whisper g'day mate to me at jamieson.murphy@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Newcastle Herald news director. Interested in any and all yarns. Whisper g'day mate to me at jamieson.murphy@austcommunitymedia.com.au
