The Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) has today released its Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Winter 2025, highlighting an elevated bushfire risk in parts of South Australia and Victoria. Dry conditions are expected to persist along much of Australia's southern coastline throughout the outlook period.
In the Northern Territory (NT), bushfire risk remains within the normal range, with a typical annual fire season forecast for the Greater Darwin Region. However, wildfires in the Savanna district may pose a higher threat to properties due to increased surface fuel loads and a shorter early dry season.
The AFAC outlook also highlights higher fuel loads in the Alice Springs and Barkly regions. Landholders in these areas are strongly encouraged to prepare their properties for ongoing fire risk.
In the Top End, many landholders have undertaken landscape-scale aerial prescribed burns where conditions allowed. However, reduced aerial burning activity in parts of the Savanna Region, notably the Roper, Gulf, and Victoria River pastoral districts, has increased the potential for large scale fires.
A/Chief Fire Officer, NT Fire and Rescue Service Stephen Hunter said the Top End fire danger period is likely to commence in late June or early July and now is the time for landholders to prepare.
"Landholders across NT are encouraged to take proactive steps to prepare their property now, such as managing firebreaks, updating survival plans, and clearing around your home," he said.
"In Central Australia, repeated rainfall and the rapid regrowth of surface fuels like buffel grass make ongoing fire prevention measures especially important."
Director of Operations and Chief Fire Control Officer Bushfires NT, Tony Fuller reinforced the importance of maintaining firebreaks.
"One of the best ways to protect your property and community is by maintaining firebreaks. Firebreaks need to be at least 4 metres wide, and vegetation within them must be kept below 50mm in height," he said.
"In the Top End, prescribed burning is common at this time of year. Controlled burns may result in smoke and ash affecting nearby areas, including road visibility. Drivers should always drive to the conditions and be aware of firefighting crews working near roadsides."
During the prescribed burns and potential bushfires of the Top End fire season, residents are reminded to:
Close windows and bring any washing in.Anticipate smoky conditions for the duration of the burns.When driving pay attention and if the roads are smoke affected, turn on your lights and drive carefully.
