Canberra is expected to see an “average” 2024-25 bushfire season, the ACT Rural Fire Service chief officer says.
Rohan Scott said it comes after several years of below-average seasons.
“What this means is that there is still the likelihood of fire, particularly grass fires with the spring growth,” he said at an ACT Emergency Services Agency briefing.
“We have had a dry winter, but our heavy fuels and our forest fuels still have good moisture content, as do the water courses surrounding the ACT.”
Mr Scott said the biggest risk of grass fires was towards the middle of summer.
“They can develop quickly, and they can also move and impact into the community quite unexpectedly and quite quickly,” he said.
“So, our messaging to the community is to be prepared: clean your gutters, clean your roofs and downpipes and remove any vegetation that is around your property that may be combustible.”
Mr Scott said it was also important to have a survival plan.
“(Which is) incredibly important to develop this time of the year, rather than at the time of need,” he said.
He also suggested having an emergency kit on hand at home.
“(Which is) your important papers, your medications, chargers for phones, proper clothing if you are going to stay and defend, as well as what you’re going to do with your pets and family,” Mr Scott said.
Mr Scott said community members should also download the Hazards Near Me app and follow the ACT ESA updates.
He said the bushfire season, during which time fire permits are required, was expected to begin on 1 October.
ACTRFS fire and weather analyst Paul Mahoney said the increased growth during spring, the possibility of rain towards the end of the season, elevated heat and the increased fuel loads from the rain in late summer could lead to the potential for an increase in grass fires later in the season.
Looking back at previous bushfire seasons, the National Museum of Australia (NMA) stated the capital was hit by the most destructive bushfire in its history on 18 January 2003 when four people died, 435 people were injured, and 510 properties were destroyed.
The NMA said almost 70 per cent of the ACT was burned by the fires, destroying 487 homes and 23 government and commercial buildings, including the internationally renowned Mount Stromlo Observatory.
The NMA said the ACT was once again hit by fires during the 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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