Released 31/08/2020
The ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA) and its partners are preparing for a different start to the 2020-21 ACT bushfire season, with wetter than average conditions expected through spring, increasing the risk of fast-moving grass fires.
Note: Minister Gentleman and ACT Rural Fire Service A/g Chief Officer Rohan Scott will be available to discuss the seasonal outlook at the 'Be Storm Ready' launch tomorrow morning.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Mick Gentleman said the Canberra community should not become complacent with the recent rainfall and should ensure their households are bush and grass fire ready.
"The upcoming fire season will be driven by different climate conditions than the previous two fire seasons, according to the outlook released today by the Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre," Minister Gentleman said.
"We saw wet weather across winter with more forecast for spring, increasing the risk of grass fires in the ACT.
"ESA works all year round to ensure staff, volunteers and the community are prepared, well informed and equipped for the upcoming bush and storm season, and we ask that you take the time to ensure you are prepared too."
A/g Chief Officer ACT Rural Fire Service, Rohan Scott urged all Canberra residents, not just those who live in a Bushfire Prone Area, to review their Bushfire Survival Plans and prepare their property with a focus on potential impacts from fast moving grass fires over summer.
"For the outlook period, normal fire conditions are expected, even though the ACT received sufficient rainfall to remove the residual drought that was posing a raised forest fire threat for the coming fire season," Chief Officer Scott said.
"As the effect of the rains on grass fire risk may not become clear until the end of spring or early summer, our level of preparedness will remain high - we will continue to monitor conditions over the coming months and will take action to mitigate those risks."
The Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook: September – November 2020 is available here: www.bnhcrc.com.au/hazardnotes/77
For information and tips on how you can Be Bushfire Ready, visit: www.esa.act.gov.au
- Statement ends -
Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases