The ACT bushfire season has been pushed back from its traditional start date of 1 October to 1 November 2022 due to the ongoing wet conditions and confirmed La Nina event.
With a higher moisture content in grasslands and dams at maximum capacity, as well as predicted above average rainfall, there is currently a reduced fire risk in the ACT.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Mick Gentleman said the level of rainfall during the winter months and early spring has reduced the overall bushfire threat to the community.
“Though we are urging Canberrans to remember that there is always a risk of bush or grass fires starting. It only takes a few days of warmer weather and increased sunshine to dry out grassland.
“This is a good time for us all to prepare our homes and ensure we have updated our Emergency Survival Plans,” Minister Gentleman said.
ESA Commissioner Georgeina Whelan said the official start of the storm season has also been delayed by one month and is set to start on 1 October 2022.
“Our team of teams, including ACT Rural Fire Service, ACT State Emergency Service, ACT Fire & Rescue and ACT Ambulance Service, has been working hard to prepare for the hazard season.
“Now is the time for the community to do their part and prepare their home and families to ensure the ACT is Emergency Ready,” Commissioner Whelan said.
Rural land holders can continue undertaking private hazard reduction burns without a fire permit. Permits will be required from 1 November 2022 and throughout the official bushfire season.
