Australia: Threat of bushfires present nationwide through March

Event

Bushfires are likely to occur across Australia through at least March, causing sporadic, localized disruptions to transport and business operations. Wildfires are a typical feature of the summer and early fall in the country, particularly after long dry spells or during spans of extremely high temperatures. Forecast models indicate an above-average fire potential across central western and southern Western Australia, southern Northern Territory, southern Queensland, and inland New South Wales due to increased fuel loads as a result of significant rainfall as well as across western Tasmania due to a dry spring period. Below-normal fire potentials are forecast across portions of the Australian Capital Territory, eastern New South Wales, and eastern Victoria due to increased fuel moisture, the continued wet forecast, and the still-recovering vegetation from the 2019-2020 bushfire season.

Transport and Utilities
Bushfires can lead to evacuations, road closures, and ground transport diversions. Disruptions to arterial roads are possible. The scarcity of alternative routes in some areas means that significant transport disruptions are possible at times. While authorities are experienced in minimizing the potential impact, roads in remote regions are likely to be disrupted for longer periods than urban roads due to their relative inaccessibility. Authorities could close routes in bushfire complexes and evacuate communities due to fire activity and the needs of response operations. Traffic flows could also be disrupted during reentry periods after authorities lift evacuation orders.

Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall could contribute to traffic delays and congestion and prompt short-notice flight disruptions if bushfires occur near airports. Railways can also experience occasional cancellation of services and long delays. Power outages are possible in places due to damaged infrastructure or intentional power cuts to prevent infrastructure damage or help prevent the spread of the fires.

Health
Smoke from wildfires is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees, plants, and possibly building materials. Such smoke can hurt eyes, irritate the respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases. Smoke may also worsen symptoms for people who have pre-existing respiratory conditions - such as respiratory allergies, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Advice

Heed all evacuation orders. Seek updated information on road conditions if driving in the affected area; road closures and detours will cause increased congestion and delays. Individuals not under evacuation warnings should consider remaining inside well-ventilated, air-conditioned spaces to reduce exposure to smoke. Collect essential items - including identification and any important legal and travel documents - in a “go-bag” that can be easily accessed. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged power outages.

Resources

Australia FireWatch
Western Australia Emergency Warnings and Incidents
Australian Capital Territory Emergency Services
New South Wales Rural Fire Service
Northern Territory Fire Incidents
Queensland Rural Fire Service
South Australian Country Fire Service
Tasmania Fire Service
Victoria Emergency Warnings and Incidents