The ACT’s 2021–22 bushfire season will officially begin on 1 November – one month later than usual.
Traditionally, the ACT’s bushfire season starts on 1 October. After plentiful winter rainfall, and predicted above-average rainfall for spring, ACT Emergency Services Agency (ACTESA) Commissioner Georgeina Whelan has delayed the 2021–22 bushfire season by one month.
ACT grasslands are moister, and dams are at maximum capacity; therefore, significant fire conditions are less likely, although there is always the risk of a bush fire or a grass fire, stated Mick Gentleman, Minister for Police and Emergency Services.
“This is a timely reminder to all Canberrans to prepare their homes and ensure they are ‘Emergency Ready’ for the upcoming bushfire season,” he said.
Commissioner Whelan said the community should be confident the ACT’s firefighters were prepared for the summer fire season.
“I am impressed with the level of preparedness the ACT Rural Fire Service has maintained over the last 12 months, and confident our teams will continue this level of preparation and resilience over the coming months as we continually adjust our COVID-19 protocols,” she said.
Services were at full capacity, and had plans to manage the impact of COVID-19 public health measures.
“The ACTESA urges the community to prepare for the fire season,” Commissioner Whelan said. “We cannot be complacent, despite forecasts for a wet start to the fire season.”
For more information on how to Be Emergency Ready, including how to prepare an Emergency Kit and an Emergency Survival Plan, visit the ESA website.
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