The 2024-25 storm and bushfire season has officially started in the ACT.
It began on Tuesday, 1 October and is expected to end on Monday, 31 March 2025.
During this time, the ACT Rural Fire Service (RFS) will implement three things – a Fire Danger Rating system displayed on electronic signs on major arterial roads, fire permits for all urban and rural residents and Total Fire Bans.
A statement by the ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA) said the biggest risks this season were grassfires and storms, which could both be unpredictable.
The start of the season saw changes to how community members in the ACT receive alerts and warnings with the Australian Warning System (AWS) being introduced for flood and extreme heat.
ACT State Emergency Service (SES) acting chief officer Steve Forbes said that while its volunteers had prepared equipment, trained, and educated the community, it was ultimately up to the public to be prepared.
“We encourage the community to secure loose items around the yard, trim overhanging trees, and ensure they know where to find information and what actions they can take when a storm hits,” Mr Forbes said.
He said when a community member contacted the SES on 132 500 during an emergency, volunteers could assist with temporary repairs to homes, if safe to do so.
ACT ESA commissioner Wayne Phillips also encouraged community members to be prepared this season.
“That is why I encourage people to take initiative to learn more about preparing their homes and themselves for all emergencies, update or create a survival plan and learn about our changes to alerts and warnings, Mr Phillips said.
As previously stated in Canberra Daily, ACTRFS chief officer Rohan Scott said Canberra was expected to see an “average” 2024-25 bushfire season with the likelihood of grass fires.
“With expected rain causing growth, a grass fire can happen anytime and anywhere, so it is vital that our community is informed and prepared if one does occur,” he said.
“There are simple ways that you can prepare your home for a bush or grass fire, including cleaning your gutters of leaves and debris, mowing your lawn and creating a home emergency survival kit.”
Mr Scott said it was vital for community members to check the fire ratings daily, apply for and secure fire permits and adhere to fire bans when declared, during the bushfire season.
Residents seeking more information about fire permits can contact ACTRFS by phone on 6207 8609 or via email at [email protected].
The ACT was previously hit by two major bushfires: in 2003 when four people died, 435 people were injured, and 510 properties were destroyed; and in 2019-20 bushfire season, which burnt more than 80 per cent of Namadgi National Park and 22 per cent of Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.
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