THE 2020/21 fire season will be driven by vastly different climate drivers than the previous two fire seasons, according to the official Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook released today.

With a La Niña ALERT now active, large areas of eastern and northern Australia are expecting wetter than average conditions through spring.

Despite the wetter climate signals, parts of Queensland face above normal fire potential in the south east and central coast, extending to the north.

While these wetter conditions in eastern Australia will help in the short-term, they may lead to an increase in the risk of fast running fires in grasslands and cropping areas over summer. These conditions will be monitored closely over the coming months.

In contrast to the wetter conditions for the east, dry conditions persist in Western Australia, with above normal fire potential continuing to be expected in parts of the north.

Fire is a regular occurrence across Australia, and it is important to remember that areas designated as normal fire potential will still see fires. Normal bushfire risk does not mean there is no risk.

The Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook is produced quarterly to be used by fire authorities to make strategic decisions such as resource planning and prescribed fire management to reduce the negative impacts of bushfire.

The full Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for September to November can be downloaded by clicking here.

The next outlook statement is due in late November.