Tasmania may be facing a potentially challenging fire season this year, the Director of Community Fire Safety at the Tasmanian Fire Service has warned.
Speaking on ABC Radio, Chris Collins raised concerns about drier-than-normal conditions.
“The eastern half of the state is now looking much drier, particularly for this time of year,” Collins said.
“We’re currently in an alert state for [El Nino]. Historically, when we’ve been in this position, there’s been a 70% likelihood that we would click over into El Nino.”
“The advice I have from the bureau is there’s reasonable certainty into this summer that we may see El Nino. That coupled with another climate driver called the Indian Ocean dipole is also forecast to click into positive.”
“Those two elements combined, historically have resulted in drier conditions.”
Collins also expressed concern over community complacency due to three consecutive quiet bushfire seasons, urging Tasmanians to start preparing.
“There’s no doubt that bushfire or the prospect of bushfire is potentially going to be furthest from people’s minds, particularly at this time of year,” Collins said.
“I can almost guarantee were going to see a more active bushfire season this year than what we’ve experienced for the last three, and that has implications if people in those vulnerable, bushfire-prone areas are not prepared.”
Collins said the warnings and need to be prepared are relevant to almost 98% of the state, emphasising the broad need for awareness and readiness as Tasmania heads into a potentially dangerous fire season.
The Tasmanian Fire Service has resources available on their website to assist residents in creating a bushfire plan.
Simple actions, such as clearing gutters, sealing gaps and keeping combustibles like wood piles away from the house, can make a significant difference.
