Graphics sourced from Australian and New Zealand Council for fire and emergency services
The latest Seasonal Bushfire Outlook has identified an increased risk of bushfire across southern coastal areas of South Australia this winter due to ongoing dry conditions and the build-up of dry vegetation in scrub and forest areas.
The Seasonal Bushfire Outlook is developed by the Australian and New Zealand Council for fire and emergency services (AFAC) in partnership with the Bureau of Meteorology, state and territory fire services, and land management agencies, including the SA Country Fire Service.
Traditionally a low-risk period, winter is presenting unseasonable fire potential this year, with authorities urging vigilance despite the cooler weather.
The warning follows persistent drought across parts of SA, Victoria and Tasmania, contributing to long-term rainfall deficiencies.
According to the Australasian Fire Authorities Council (AFAC), dry conditions have created an abundance of fire-prone material, especially in southern landscapes.
AFAC CEO Rob Webb said the combination of drought and above-average temperatures means fire activity could be more frequent than usual for this time of year.
“We don’t normally think of winter and bushfire together in southern Australia. The prolonged drought conditions mean that communities across parts of Victoria and South Australia may see more activity than normal for this time of the year,” he said.
Fire authorities across the state will continue monitoring the landscape closely and are expected to carry out mitigation activities where necessary, including planned burns.
Nationally, southern parts of the country are experiencing higher-than-average atmospheric pressure, contributing to drier conditions. Warmer sea surface temperatures around much of the Australian coastline are also adding moisture and energy to weather systems, increasing the risk of more intense events.
The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast warmer-than-average temperatures nationwide from June to August. While much of the country may see above-average rainfall, the southeast and southwest – where the elevated fire risk is most pronounced – are likely to remain drier.
Despite the neutral outlook for El Niño Southern Oscillation, the Indian Ocean Dipole is expected to trend negative, which could bring increased rainfall in some regions later in winter.
Authories encourage everyone to remain alert and prepared, even during the unseasonal bushfire winter period.
For more info, visit the official CFS website here.
For the Seasonal Bushfire Outlook Winter 2025, click here.
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