Media release
From: Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRCThe Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook: July 2020 reflects the main bushfire management priorities in each state and territory from July to September. It is particularly relevant to parts of northern Australia that have entered (or are soon to enter) their fire season – in Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia.
The Bushfire Outlook considers the impacts of recent fire seasons and the weather conditions expected in coming months. It is important to remember that areas designated as normal or below normal fire potential may still experience bushfire – normal or below normal risk does not mean there is no risk.
- In Western Australia, rainfall from tropical cyclones has led to above normal fire conditions in parts of the Kimberley.
- In Queensland, normal fire potential is expected, however there is a risk of grass fires due to good grass growth in some areas.
- The fire season started early in Northern Territory, but normal fire potential is expected.
- The south coast of NSW expects higher than normal fire potential due to long-term dry conditions in areas that did not burn in the 2019/20 fire season.
- All other areas can expect normal fire potential from July to September.
It is unclear at this stage what the fire risk across Australia will be later in the year. This will depend on rainfall and whether predictions of La Niña conditions eventuate (which would bring above-average rainfall across much of Australia).
The Bushfire Outlook is produced quarterly to assist fire and land management agencies in making strategic decisions, such as resource planning and prescribed fire management to reduce the negative impacts of bushfires.
