FOLLOWING a dry winter, Canberra’s bushfire season will start one month early, according to the ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA).
Traditionally, the bushfire season commences on October 1, and runs through until March 31, but this year it will begin on September 1.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Mick Gentleman says the Bureau of Meteorology has advised a predicted El Niño event may produce hotter and drier conditions as we head into summer and unless the future outlook starts to suggest a different situation, predicted elevated risks to the ACT from heatwave, wildfire and dust storms are likely.
“All Canberrans should ensure they understand Fire Danger Rating (FDR) levels to help them make decisions when travelling in and around the ACT,” he says.
“In addition, people living in Bushfire Prone Areas (BPA) should download a Bushfire Survival Plan from the ESA website, fill it in and have a discussion with their family about what they will do in the event of a fire.”
More information at esa.act.gov.au
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