General News
7 November, 2024
Fire season forecast
The bush fire season officially began last month in NSW. Temperatures are rising fast this year; as always, it is important to be aware and prepared.
Leading into the 2024 fire season, rainfall has been above average. As such, grass fuel loads have remained high across central NSW. Current forecasts show a higher than average rainfall leading to wet conditions. Temperatures are also rising faster than expected this spring. It will take time for soil moisture and grasslands to dry out enough to elevate fire danger. If managed improperly, this could result in larger, hard to control fires in late spring.
Regarding fire season outlook, no areas across NSW have been identified as carrying an above average fire potential. While wetter conditions will lead to a decrease in readily burnt fuel load, forested areas affected by fire during the 2019-20 fire period have now recovered to the point where, once dry, could again carry dangerous fires. Sampling has shown an increase in near-surface fuel loads in these areas, along with areas affected by lower severity fires in recent years. Similarly, grassland areas of NSW could potentially dry out to the point where they could carry fast and intense grass fires under elevated fire danger. Should this occur, these areas may pose an above normal risk.
Overall, for the spring period, NSW is currently forecast to have an average fire risk, although as spring continues and temperatures rise, this could change quickly.
A fire permit will be required for all burning activities during the Bush Fire Danger Period until March 2025. It is not clear whether summer will be wetter or drier at this point, as forecasts do not extend that far. The harvest period during October/November and December is also a time to be mindful of fire dangers on farm. Local brigades have already been called to grass fires across the district on property.
The Castlereagh Bush Fire Management Plan, covering the Warrambungle and Gilgandra Shire Council Local Government areas, was approved on January 16, 2013. Currently, the plan is in review in accordance with the mandated five-year review period. Locals are urged to review the plan and prepare ahead for the worst case scenario. For more information on how to prepare for this year’s fire season, visit the NSW Rural Fire Service website and see ‘Plan and Prepare’.
