Australians need to be prepared for above average fire risk this year, according to the 2019 Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook.

The Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre (BNHCRC) today published its pre-fire season outlook, which takes into account the amount of fuel, as well the existing and forecast weather conditions.

Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management, David Littleproud, said all Australians needed to work with their community, neighbours and friends to prepare for another tough bushfire season.

“All parts of Australia are at risk because of the hot and dry start to the year,” Minister Littleproud said.

“All Australians, especially in high-risk areas, should be planning to protect their family and property.

“People can prevent fires by keeping grass around their homes trim and clearing leaves from their property.

“Never let someone throw cigarettes or their butts from a car window.

Above normal fire potential is forecast for densely populated parts of Australia along the east coast of Queensland, NSW, Victoria and Tasmania, as well as parts of southern WA and South Australia.

“We’re working with councils, states and territories to keep Australians safe this summer. We cannot afford to be complacent,” Minister Littleproud said.

“Think about your evacuation plans and think about what you need to take with you.

“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.

“People wanting more information on how to plan and prepare, should contact their local fire service.”

The BNHCRC Seasonal Bushfire Outlook 2019 can be found at www.bnhcrc.com.au/hazardnotes

Red Cross has tools and resources to help people prepare for disasters, available at www.redcross.org.au

FAST FACTS

• It has been the fifth-driest start to the year on record, and the driest since 1970.
  • This is especially the case in the south which has experienced the driest January to July on record (January to July 1902 is the second driest).
• The east coast of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania, as well as parts of southern Western Australia and South Australia face above normal fire potential.
• The BNHCRC 2019 Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook covers all states and territories.
  • It provides information to assist fire authorities in making strategic decisions such as resource planning and prescribed fire management to reduce the damage caused by bushfire.
• The BNHCRC draws together all of Australia and New Zealand's fire and emergency service authorities with leading experts across a range of scientific fields to explore the causes, consequences and mitigation of natural disasters.