• A Charles Sturt academic and career bushfire investigator said conditions must remain stable to avoid a dangerous end to the bushfire season
• All properties and residents should have a Bushfire Survival Plan or Farm Fire Plan
• Bushfire season in NSW and Victoria normally ends in late March

A Charles Sturt University wildfire expert said the devastating wildfires in California are an example of why NSW and Victoria residents should not become complacent as we push through the summer months.

The recent rainfall experienced across parts of the eastern states might create a sense of safety when it comes to the chances of bushfires, but Wildfire Investigator and Charles Sturt Adjunct Lecturer Mr Woods said residents should remain vigilant.

Mr Woods said bushfire season typically runs until the end of March for NSW and Victoria. However, this can be extended into April if conditions are high for the risk of fire.

The months leading into spring and summer saw high temperatures across the country with some areas also experiencing above-average rainfall. The increased rainfall also increases the vegetation growth, adding to the available ‘fuel’ for fires.

The higher temperatures resulted in curing of grassland fuels in NSW and Victoria with heightened fire danger ratings occurring in these states. This saw bushfire activity during December, particularly in the Hunter Valley in NSW and The Grampians in Victoria.

Reduced rainfall in February and March combined with high temperatures and strong winds could still make for a dangerous end to this year’s fire season, according to Mr Woods.

He advises people pay attention to fire danger ratings and prepare a Bushfire Survival Plan or Farm Fire Plan in advance.

“The adoption of Farm Fire Plans available from fire agencies is critical to ensure rural properties are well prepared for bushfire,” he said.

“Don’t assume that the fire service will be in a position to attend your property, particularly during bushfire events that burn under extreme fire danger ratings.

“All properties that are at risk of bush and grass fires should see residents having a Bushfire Survival Plan.

“As the risk of fire can change, it is important to revisit plans each year to ensure they are still valid and more importantly, everyone at the property is fully aware of the actions to be taken when a bushfire occurs.”

Mr Woods said property owners can prepare their land by clearing away flammable materials, ensuring adherence to burning restrictions that fire agencies apply during the fire season, ploughing fire breaks around boundary fences to prevent the spread of a grassfire, rotating stock across properties and to prepare for unplanned fire by making sure farm firefighting equipment is operational.

While it is unlikely that this bushfire season will see anything as extreme as the Californian fires, Mr Woods said being prepared is the best way to stay safe.

He said the disastrous impact of the Californian fires occurred because of very strong Santa Ana winds, accompanied by low humidity and unseasonably dry fuel. While the ignition sources of these fires are still to be confirmed, Mr Woods said the Southern Californian drought conditions made the vegetation in the Santa Monica area very susceptible to fire.

“Under these conditions, the ability for fire services to protect lives and property is very challenging and dangerous,” he said.

“As we learn more of this major wildfire event in mid-winter in California, it reinforces the need for bushfire prone communities to remain vigilant and to prepare for major fire events.”