The ACT bushfire season has been pushed back from its traditional start date of 1 October to 1 November due to the ongoing wet conditions and confirmed La Niña event.

A higher moisture content in grasslands, dams at maximum capacity, and predicted above average rainfall reduces the risk of fire in the ACT.

Mick Gentleman, Minister for Police and Emergency Services, said rainfall during the winter months and early spring reduced the overall bushfire threat to the community.

However, Mr Gentleman reminded Canberrans that there was always a risk of bush or grass fires starting; it only took a few days of warmer weather and increased sunshine to dry out grassland.

“This is a good time for us all to prepare our homes, and ensure we have updated our Emergency Survival Plans,” Mr Gentleman said.

The official start of the storm season has also been delayed by one month, and is set to start on 1 October, Georgeina Whelan, Commissioner of the Emergency Services Agency ACT, said.

“Our team of teams, including ACT Rural Fire Service, ACT State Emergency Service, ACT Fire & Rescue, and ACT Ambulance Service, has been working hard to prepare for the hazard season.

“Now is the time for the community to do their part, and prepare their home and families to ensure the ACT is Emergency Ready,” Commissioner Whelan said.

Rural land holders can undertake private hazard reduction burns without a fire permit. Permits will be required from 1 November and throughout the official bushfire season.

For more information on how to Be Emergency Ready, visit https://esa.act.gov.au/be-emergency-ready.